Conference - Maritime Histories from the Margins

This two-day interdisciplinary conference, co-convened by Royal Museums Greenwich and the Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures at the University of Portsmouth, invites participants to explore the maritime histories that have traditionally been sidelined. While historical narratives are often dominated by military, political, and economic power, this event aims to center the lives, labor, and experiences of the individuals and communities—workers, travelers, navigators, and families—who lived and worked at the edges of maritime visibility from 1500 to the present. The conference programme features diverse perspectives on those historically underrepresented in archives and scholarship. The delegate fee includes two days of programming, sandwich lunches, refreshments, and a complimentary book launch event for 'Black and Asian Seafarers: A Visual History' held at the Cutty Sark on the evening of 11 November. This event is open to participants from all backgrounds, including academic and non-academic attendees. Please note that booking is required and ticket sales close on 28 October 2026. For any accessibility or dietary requirements, attendees are encouraged to contact the organisers via email.