A History of Conferences: From the Agora, to Salons, to Zoom
Have you ever wondered how scholars, historians and storytellers came to gather and share their insights? From meticulously dissecting ancient texts to passionately debating literary movements, historical and literature conferences are now cornerstones of their respective fields. Yet, their pervasive presence today belies a rich and dynamic history, evolving from informal intellectual exchanges in salons and societies, to the highly structured global forums where new interpretations of history and fresh literary analyses are meticulously presented and debated.
An illustration of an “Agora”
The first major interpretation of a conference could easily be applied to the ancient Greeks who started the ‘Agora’, which has the literal definition of ‘gathering place’ or ‘assembly’. The term, therefore, has the double meaning of the setting itself and the people who gathered there. Quite literally a little bit of everything happened at the ‘Agora’, there were theatrical and gymnastic performances, libraries, shops, monuments, discussions of military strategies and in the case of what we now understand as conferences, people gathered to converse and share philosophical and academic ideas. The likes of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, along with Hippocrates and Pythagoras all utilised the ‘Agora’ to debate and teach their students. The ‘Agora’ has been described as the ‘centre of democracy and philosophy’ and its influence can still be seen today in the modern format of the academic and literary conference.
A London Coffeehouse
The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries saw the rise to ‘Salons’ and ‘Coffeehouses’, especially in England and France. They were crucial social spaces where writers, philosophers, and intellectuals would convene to engage in lively debates, present new work and get critique on it from peers. ‘Salons’ and ‘Coffeehouses’ were informal but extremely influential as they catered not only to the educated but also provided a space for those without formal education who wanted to further their intellectual standing. Furthermore, historical and literary societies emerged which offered a more structured approach to discussing works. They shaped ideas and movements within communities and really laid the foundations for conferences later down the line.
One of the earliest societies in London, known as the Royal Society, was founded in 1660 and whilst it would later be focused solely on science in its early days there was also a fascination with the past and the monuments dedicated to it. The Society of Antiquaries of London, however, was always intended to be a society for historians and archaeologists. It was first proposed in 1707 by John Talman, Humfrey Wanley and John Bagford, however, when the Earl who was forwarding their proposal was dismissed, it would be a further decade before it really took off. The formalisation of the society occurred in 1717 and the first minutes were recorded on 1st January, 1718. Historical documents, architecture, paintings and ruins were all explored and debated. The society was granted a Royal Charter in 1751 by King George II, who went on to become its patron. The society is still going to this day. The Royal Historical Society, founded in 1868, is another example of a historical society that is still booming today. The society was founded in a critical period of history, one where knowledge was becoming professionalised and societies combined amateur scholars with those from universities, museums and archives. The society entered public and professional life, organising national events, teaching the new generations and holding meetings for the discussion of history.
Thomas Percival
One of the earliest literary societies and the second-oldest learned society in the world, originally known as the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester, now known as the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, was founded in 1781. Some of its most notable founders were Thomas Percival, Thomas Barnes, Thomas Henry, and Thomas Butterworth Bayley. The society hosts meetings and lectures, some of which are especially focused on young people and their engagement with literature and philosophy.
The nineteenth century into the twentieth century saw the expansion of professionalisation of literature and history, in a way that had only been briefly touched upon in the previous centuries. This paved the way for more formal gatherings by both societies and people in general. Just as with history and philosophy, when universities established departments dedicated to literature, academics sought platforms to engage in scholarly discourse and share their research. The early academic literary conferences often ran parallel to the burgeoning history and scientific conferences reflecting a shared desire to unify their respective fields and share information. This was all aided by the development of infrastructure, for instance railways and steamships, which made travel more feasible, allowing a geographically wider selection of scholars to gather.
For historians, a landmark event was the First International Congress of Historical Sciences, held in Paris in 1900. While a smaller diplomatic history congress had taken place in The Hague in 1898, the Paris gathering is often cited as the true genesis of the modern, large-scale international historical conference. It brought together historians from around the globe, reflecting a growing internationalisation of scholarship and a recognition of history's interconnectedness. These early historical conferences served not only to disseminate research but also to collectively define the boundaries of the discipline, debate methodologies, and build a global community of scholars.
In the literary sphere, the path to formal conferences was little more varied, encompassing both academic scholarship and the needs of practising writers. The 1962 International Writers' Conference in Edinburgh stands out as a highly public, intellectually charged event, bringing together literary luminaries like Norman Mailer and William Burroughs to debate the future of literature and censorship. While more a public forum than a traditional academic conference, it showcased the power of physical gatherings for literary discourse and public engagement. Academic literary conferences, organised by bodies like the Modern Language Association (MLA) in the United States, simultaneously grew in prominence, becoming crucial venues for literary scholars to present their latest textual analyses, theoretical interventions, and critical studies. "Writers' conferences," often focused on craft, publishing, and networking with agents and editors, also emerged as a distinct and vital part of the literary ecosystem.
The digital age saw the institutionalisation of both historical and literary conferences. They became annual or biennial fixtures, with proceedings often published, cementing their role in the scholarly record. Suddenly, geographical barriers diminished. Online platforms facilitated easier paper submissions, programme organisation, and the digital dissemination of conference materials. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, accelerated the adoption of virtual and hybrid formats, making conferences more accessible to scholars who might previously have been excluded due to cost, travel restrictions, or physical limitations. This shift has democratised participation, allowing a broader range of voices to contribute to ongoing intellectual conversations.
From the intimate intellectual ferment of early salons to the bustling, often hybrid, events of today, historical and literary conferences have remained indispensable. They are not merely platforms for presenting findings; they are vibrant spaces where ideas are tested, collaborations are forged, communities are sustained, and the very future of our understanding of the past and the power of storytelling continues to unfold. They are a testament to the enduring human need to gather, share, and collectively advance knowledge.
Annual Royal Historical Society Dinner, 1926
About the Author
Grace E. Turton is an aspiring historical consultant with an MA in Social History and BA in History & Media from Leeds Beckett University. Grace specializes in British and Italian history but loves reading and researching about all aspects of history. In her free time, you can find her exploring the Yorkshire Dales with her dog Bear, watching classic films and playing rugby league. Grace is passionate about keeping history alive and believes that an integral part of this is maintained through History Through Fiction’s purpose.
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