A celebration of humanism, secularism, atheism and the ethical movement past and present.
This year, Conway Hall was proud to present the very first Freethought History Festival – a weekend of activities exploring the fascinating stories of freethought movement – the activists, authors and artists who asked the big questions about who should have the power to shape our society.
With talks and discussions from today’s leading thinkers and writers, film screenings, and interactive displays and workshops, this weekend festival brought to life the amazing history of non-believers and explore the impact they still have today – all in the beautiful surroundings of Conway Hall, a historic home of freethought.
The Freethought History Festival is supported by The Freethinker.
FRIDAY 30 AUGUST
MAIN HALL
Down With The Crown?
We kicked off the Freethought History Festival with a special talk, with Republic’s Graham Smith in conversation with Jenny Kleeman. In this talk, we explored the past and present of republicanism, and why freedom from the crown has been a defining part of the freethought movement.
SATURDAY 31 AUGUST
MAIN HALL
Writing Freethought Histories
Authors Suzanne Hobson, Edward Royle and Bill Cooke discussed their work uncovering the fascinating histories of freethought, from the tight knit networks of secularists to radical literary innovators. The discussion was chaired by researcher Clare Stainthorp.
The Freethinker: The Voice of Secularism
The Freethinker has been a leading voice campaigning for secularism and freedom of enquiry since 1881. In this panel, Freethinker Editor Daniel Sharp, former editor and freelance writer Emma Park, and Chair of Secular Society Ltd, publishers of the Freethinker, Dan Bye joined Professor David Nash to discuss the legacy and future of this historic publication.
Freethinking Lives
In this panel discussion, we explored the lives of some of the key figures of the freethought movement and how their impact can be felt today, with writer and historian S I Martin, researchers Eoin Carter and Maddy Goodall, and political artist Paul Fitzgerald. This panel was chaired by the National Secular Society’s Head of Campaigns, Megan Manson.
Radical Music, Remarkable Women
In this open conversation, Electric Voice Theatre’s Frances M Lynch and KCL Research Fellow Dr Katherine Fry explored women’s networks in 19th century London and consider the role of music in fostering these often hidden social and intellectual circles. The conversation included performances of some of the musical works by these influential women composers.
The Freethinker: The Voice of Secularism
The Freethinker has been a leading voice campaigning for secularism and freedom of enquiry since 1881. In this panel, Freethinker Editor Daniel Sharp, former editor and freelance writer Emma Park, and Chair of Secular Society Ltd, publishers of the Freethinker, Dan Bye joined Professor David Nash to discuss the legacy and future of this historic publication.
Freethinking Lives
In this panel discussion, we explored the lives of some of the key figures of the freethought movement and how their impact can be felt today, with writer and historian S I Martin, researchers Eoin Carter and Maddy Goodall, and political artist Paul Fitzgerald. This panel was chaired by the National Secular Society’s Head of Campaigns, Megan Manson.
Radical Music, Remarkable Women
In this open conversation, Electric Voice Theatre’s Frances M Lynch and KCL Research Fellow Dr Katherine Fry explored women’s networks in 19th century London and consider the role of music in fostering these often hidden social and intellectual circles. The conversation included performances of some of the musical works by these influential women composers.
SATURDAY 31 AUGUST
LIBRARY
A Flower for Your Thoughts
Assemblage Collective took over Conway Hall’s historic Library witha creative workshop, giving visitors an opportunity to reflect on their ideas about freethought and make their mark by contributing to a collaborative lotus fold book. These contributions were part of a unique collective creation, which will be preserved in Conway Hall’s Archive.
Freethought Heritage Exhibition
Since 1886, Conway Hall Library and Archives has been a haven for the radicals, political and social reformers and freethinkers who dared to dream of a better world. Discover the story of freethought as told through Conway Hall’s archives, in a unique display curated by Professor David Nash.
SATURDAY 31 AUGUST
BROCKWAY ROOM
Reasons To Believe film screening
The Festival also featured a special screening of Ben Fama Jr.’s thought-provoking documentary, Reasons to Believe. Reasons To Believe is an exploration of human beings and the psychology of why we believe what we believe about reality and how it distorts our perceptions of it. Interviewing experts in the fields of psychology and philosophy, filmmaker Ben Fama Jr. asks the question: why do we believe?
SATURDAY 31 AUGUST
BERTRAND RUSSELL ROOM
Doers, Dreamers, Place Makers virtual tour
The Festival marked the launch of a virtual tour of Conway Hall, exploring some of the fascinating people, objects and stories that make up the living history of the Ethical Society – a history of challenging the status quo, building community and fighting for change.
SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER
FAMILY FUN DAY
The final day of the Festival welcomed families for a day of free activities celebrating some of the inspiring people through history who have dreamed of a better world.
Tom Paine’s Bones! A puppet building workshop
Thomas Paine was a revolutionary who helped to change the world. But what happened to his bones? Cartoonist, graphic novelist and prop-builder Polyp helped to uncover the mystery, and reassemble old Tom’s skeleton – just in time for a parade through Conway Hall!
Great and Good? A plaque-making workshop
Our city is full of statues and plaques of important people, past and present. But who do we remember as ‘great’ and why? How do we celebrate those we decide are worthy, and who gets left out? Clare Stainthorp and Maddy Goodall led a hands-on workshop where visitors could make their own plaque celebrating someone important to them.
Sing for Eliza! A singing workshop
Did you know that Conway Hall has its very own famous composer? Her name is Eliza Flower. Frances from Electric Voice Theatre invited visitors to sing & sign a very special song that tells the amazing story of Eliza’s life. Frances knows the song, but she needs your help – she hasn’t got a loud enough voice to do it without you!
Doers & Dreamers storytelling
What buildings and places have inspired you? Conway Hall has lots of stories of amazing people throughout its history, which where explored for the first time in the launch of our virtual tour, especially designed for children.
Humanist Bloomsbury walk
Download the Go Jauntly app and take a walk through Bloomsbury’s Humanist history with Humanist Heritage’s self-guided free walking tour. Stop by the statue of Fenner Brockway, learn more about Bertrand Russell and visit the former location of the London headquarters for the Women’s Freedom League.