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The Dutch-Belgian Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies The 'Werkgroep 18e Eeuw' endorses research into all aspects of eighteenth-century history in the Low Countries (Belgium and the Netherlands). The society is open to anybody who is interested in eighteenth-century history; both interested laymen and professional researchers alike. The Werkgroep intermediates between members and is a meeting place for all those interested in eighteenth century history. The Werkgroep approaches its objectives primarily through the organisation of annual conferences and the publication of the periodical De Achttiende Eeuw. By means of an electronic news letter, the Werkgroep keeps its members informed about conferences, calls for papers, guest lectures by foreign experts, and other current developments. Each year, the Werkgroep awards a the author of the most outstanding MA thesis on a topic concerning eighteenth-century history. The Werkgroep 18e Eeuw was founded in 1968, when historians still regarded the French avant garde of the eighteenth century – the so-called Lumières or philosophes – as the model for European Enlightenment. Since then, the Dutch-Belgian Society and its counterpart societies have stimulated research of the Enlightenment in various national contexts, and in moderate and radical variants. As of the late seventeenth century, the Dutch Enlightenment appears to have been an important export product. Through the years, the Werkgroep has occupied itself increasingly with the history of the eighteenth century in the broadest sense; the Enlightenment is just a part of that history. A second important development, nationally and internationally, is the growth of interdisciplinary research. Affiliated with the Werkgroep are not only literary and regular historians but also historians of art, theatre, architecture, religion, and law, as well as historians of science and cultural anthropology – both amateurs and professionals. The combination of historical approaches helps to achieve a comprehensive view of eighteenth century history. The Werkgroep has organised several trend-setting conferences and symposia, for instance about ‘consumption and culture’ (1997), ‘religion and Enlightenment’ (1999), and ‘nature’ (2004). The symposium lectures are often published in De Achttiende Eeuw. |
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