About What is a Cold War Object? A Symposium on Cold War Collections
'What is a Cold War Object? A Symposium on Cold War Collections' will explore how different institutions collect, interpret, and present the story of the Cold War.
Many objects held by museums and heritage organisations may not have obvious links to the Cold War. However, by reconsidering how we define and contextualise heritage collections, we can reveal new Cold War narratives and broaden our understanding of this pivotal period.
We will explore the success of recent projects such as:
- the 'Cold War Scotland' exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland
- recent acquisitions of anti-nuclear and peace activism archives at the National Library of Scotland
- and the expanding body of declassified Ministry of Defence aerial reconnaissance held by the National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP).
This event will provide a forum to share insights, promote engagement, and challenge assumptions about what constitutes Cold War heritage.
This open symposium welcomes anyone interested in research, access, and education across the fields of heritage, military history, social history, and collections care.
There are opportunities for attendees take part in a tour of the National Centre for Aerial Photography and see Cold War collections at the National Library of Scotland on the 27th and 29th May. Please check the booking page for further information.
On the day
- Please note that lunch will not be provided.
Programme
10:00 - 10:15: Registration
10:15 - 10:30: Welcome Note
A welcome to National Museums Scotland for 'What is a Cold War Collection?' from Dr Geoff Belknapp, Keeper of Science and Technology, National Museums Scotland.
10:30 - 11:30: Understanding Cold War Activism Through Archives
Format: Two-talk panel and Q&A
Ewan Gibbs and Linda Ross, University of Glasgow will present ‘Activism in the Archives: The Rise of Anti-Nuclear Scotland’. This will be followed by Hannah Grout, SGSAH Collaborative Doctoral Award PhD student, University of Strathclyde, National Library of Scotland, and Glasgow Women’s Library, presenting her talk ‘Scottish Women Waging Peace: Cataloguing Activist Archives at the National Library of Scotland’.
11:30 - 12:00: Catered Coffee Break
12:00 - 13:15: Accessing, Researching and Engaging Cold War Collections
Format: Presentation and Q&A
Rachel Nordstrom, Operations Manager and Ben Reiss, Collections Manager at The National Collection of Aerial Photography introduce the breadth and depth of its Cold War holdings and outlines ongoing efforts to preserve, digitise and make accessible over 10 million aerial reconnaissance images. Followed by an open Q&A and collaborative discussion on how these resources can be more widely used and promoted.
13:15 - 14:15: Lunch
14:15 - 15:30: Identifying Cold War Collections
Format: Talks and Q&A
Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator, Technology and Sarah Harper, Assistant Curator, Technology, National Museums Scotland will explore how Cold War narratives were identified across diverse collections at National Museums Scotland and their interpretation in the Cold War Scotland exhibition. Gavin Saxby, 28 Group Observed Dundee and Taras Young, author of Nuclear War in the UK, will then share their approaches to collecting Cold War material and experiences of public engagement.
15:30 - 15:45: Break
15:45 - 16:30: Your Cold War Object
Format: Three-minute open contributions
An open call for participants to champion their most intriguing, important, or unexpected Cold War object. Each contributor has just three minutes to convince the audience why their object matters.
16:30 - 16:45: Concluding Remarks
Accessibility and facilities
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
How to get to the space
You can make your way to the Auditorium by walking through the Collecting Stories gallery. Go through the glass doors and the Auditorium will be on your left.
The door to the Auditorium is not automatic and cannot be opened by a push pad. During an event it may already be open or you can open it by pulling it towards you.
Wheelchair access
There are four designated spaces for wheelchairs in the Auditorium. Two are at the front on Level 1 and two are at the back on Level 2. You can access the upper spaces by taking the lift next to the Auditorium. A staff member will be available to give directions to the lift.
These spaces can be booked in advance. Please contact publicevents@nms.ac.uk to book a designated wheelchair space.
There is significant space to use a wheelchair in the Auditorium.
You can borrow a wheelchair from the information desks at the Entrance Hall and Tower Entrance. They cannot be booked in advance.
Seating
Seats in the Auditorium are fixed and tiered. There are steps and handrails on either side of the seating rows.
The seats are cushioned and have arm rests on either side.
There is 18cm of leg room between rows.
If you require a seat at the front or near the front, please contact publicevents@nms.ac.uk.
Hearing induction loops
There is an induction loop in the Auditorium.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
The nearest toilets are on Level 1 next to the Lothian Street Entrance. There are standard toilets and an accessible toilet. A baby changing table is located in the accessible toilet.
If you require a changing places toilet, please ask a member of staff.
Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the conference, please do get in touch by:
- Email: st.enquiries@nms.ac.uk
