To unite or divide?
The Contested Histories Initiative studies disputes over statues, street names, and other historical legacies in public spaces with an aim to identify principles, processes and best practices for decision-makers, civil society advocates, and educators confronting the complexities of divisive historical memory.
Upcoming Event in Estonia
On October 14, Contested Histories Onsite virtually visits the Bronze Soldier of Tallinn, for its representation of conflicting World War II narratives of liberation vs. occupation by the Red Army.
Explore
Artistic Intervention
An effective remedy to a controversial statue or monument. Explore more remedies by clicking the button below.
ExploreStatues, monuments, street names, and other markers project a collective historical memory on public spaces. Inclusive societies need commemorative landscapes that reflect the collective nature and values of the communities they serve.
The Contested Histories Initiative seeks practical remedies to contestations over historical markers in public spaces as part of broader efforts to create more inclusive and equitable societies, in particular for and with communities that have been marginalised or disenfranchised due to race, ethnicity, gender, or other affiliations.
Featured Cases
Featured Cases
Admiral Horatio Nelson Statue in Bridgetown
Barbados
Originally erected in 1813, the statue of British Colonial Admiral Horatio Nelson, enjoyed 206 years of undisturbed tenure in the… Read More
Statue of Joséphine de Beauharnais in Fort-de-France
Martinique
The statue of Napoleon’s first wife, first Empress of the French, lingered beheaded in Martinique, one of the remaining overseas… Read More
Ncome and Blood River Monuments on Ncombe River in Nquthu-Dundee
South Africa
On the 16th of December 1838 the infamous Battle of Blood River on the banks of the Ncome River between… Read More
Columbus Monument in Buenos Aires
Argentina
The Monument to Christopher Columbus has caused great controversy as part of the heritage and historical memory of Argentina. Opinions… Read More
The Eye that Cries Memorial in Lima
Peru
The Eye that Cries commemorates all victims of Peru’s two-decade-long internal conflict, regardless of political affiliation. In 2006, the Inter-American… Read More
Recent Stories
Recent Stories
#SmutsMustFall: The Forgotten Battle to Counter the Legacy of one of Apartheid’s Most Prominent Architects
‘Churchill was a racist,’ read the hastily-daubed paint on the bottom of Parliament Square’s towering effigy to one of Britain’s… Read More
Introducing the New Contested Histories Branding
Over the past few months, the Contested Histories team has been working with Carlos Marcelino to develop our new… Read More
Peru: The Battlefield of Memories
There is no monument more contested in Lima than El Ojo que Llora (The Eye That Cries). Almost from the… Read More
FAQs
What do the #’s mean?
The #’s are unique identifiers for our Case Studies. As a case is identified and added to our Cases List, it is assigned a number. Stories and Resources relating to a case are also tagged with the Case #.
Can I download the Cases List?
Yes! Click ‘Map’ in the menu and scroll down. You can fill out a form to download the Cases List.
I know of a case that is not on your list, how can it be added?
Submit potential new cases using the contact form on the Get Involved page. Remember to also share a news article and image if available.
What is the purpose of this project?
To study disputes over statues, street names, and other historical legacies in public spaces with an aim to identify principles, processes and best practices for decision-makers, civil society advocates, and educators confronting the complexities of divisive historical memory.