Events

The BPHA organises regular talks, lectures and discussions open to members. For more information, get in touch birminghampha@gmail.com

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Saturday 20 June, 2pm

Cold War Puerto Rico

REGISTER HERE https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cold-war-puerto-rico-with-steve-howell-tickets-1991355211042?

Birmingham People’s History Archive

Birmingham & Midland Institute
9 Margaret Street, B3 3BS
http://www.bpha.online

Steve Howell is a journalist, author and former communications consultant.

His latest book – Cold War Puerto Rico – examines the dissonance between American democratic rhetoric and the imperial reality of Washington’s dealings with its Caribbean colony. Focusing on the period from the 1945 to 1970, it shows how the US gave the island the appearance of autonomy while using repressive measures, orchestrated by the FBI, to silence activists and political parties pushing for full independence.

“Howell’s story of state surveillance and suppression — and of the costs Washington is willing to incur to hold a Caribbean stronghold — is more instructive now than ever. Not only is the island being militarized as a modern corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, revived as the United States tries to consolidate control over the Americas; Howell’s account of Hoover’s rogue FBI — its intimidation, interference, and visa denials — also strongly echoes the tactics of the current administration. As Puerto Rico is once again enlisted in the service of American power, Howell’s book makes clear how little the underlying terms of that relationship have changed.”

https://jacobin.com/2026/05/puerto-rico-us-colonialism-howell

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80 Years – Victory of Japan – Saturday 13 December

Join us at Birmingham and Midland Institute for a day of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Pacific war.

Don Grant will share his experiences as a British citizen in China who was interned with his family by the invading Japanese Army.

Followed by a film showing of the epic The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru.

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Birmingham Heritage Weeks September 2025

This September will be BPHA’s 4^th event for Birmingham Heritage Week. Despite the huge amount of preparation, on the day it’s worth it and lovely to welcome so many new visitors to the archive. Numbers attending go up each year, and we have great feedback.

Book your place at one of our three sessions on Saturday 13 September

Saturday 22 March 2025: Labour and the Liberals: Conservative recruits to the early Labour party

2:00 pm – BPHA Rooms, Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street

Past Events

Tuesday 10 December 2024: Constitution and Conspiracy: Chartism and Trade Unionism in the West Midlands

6:00 pm – BPHA Rooms, Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street

Tuesday 17 December 2024: Labour and the Liberals: Conservative recruits to the early Labour Party

6:00 pm – BPHA Rooms, Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street

Sat 14 Sept: Heritage Week Archive Open Day

11.00am – 3:00pm – BPHA Rooms, Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street

Follow this link to book a slot: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/birmingham-peoples-history-archive-tickets-944262834557

Wed 11 Sept: “Over by Christmas: Brandwood End graves and memorials to those killed in 1944”

2.00pm Brandwood End Cemetery, Birmingham, B14 6EQ. and followed up with a talk on Zoom on Thursday 12th at 7.30 pm.