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Marc Bloch at the Panthéon - On-site conference, June 15, 2026 - University of Strasbourg

Posted on June 11, 2026

Calenda Announcement 1,409,404 (excerpts) – announcement published by Calenda on June 9, 2026

To mark Marc Bloch’s induction into the Panthéon on June 23, this day is dedicated to one of the major figures in history and the social sciences. A pioneering historian, committed intellectual, and member of the Resistance, Marc Bloch (1886–1944) embodied rigorous and deeply humanistic thought, whose legacy continues to inform contemporary research.  

This event is intended as both a tribute and an opportunity for collective reflection on his work, his life, and his relevance today. 

A day to (re)discover Marc Bloch’s contributions to history, examine the significance of his commitment, assess the vitality of his thought in current debates, and to recall that Marc Bloch, originally from Alsace, lived and worked in Strasbourg, conceived the bulk of his historical work in this city, and utilized the resources of his university as much as he brought it to prominence.

“Marc Bloch at the Panthéon” offers an intellectual and commemorative journey structured around several key moments. It opens with a historical overview tracing the life and work of Marc Bloch, highlighting his pioneering role in the renewal of historical methods and in the founding of a seminal journal in the humanities, the Annales d’histoire économique et sociale. The presentations explore the main themes of his thought: his comparative approach, his focus on social structures and mentalities, as well as his reflections on the historian’s craft. Particular attention is given to his civic engagement and his role in the Resistance, shedding light on the links between knowledge, responsibility, and action. 

The day will feature interdisciplinary discussions examining the relevance of Marc Bloch’s work in the humanities and social sciences today. Roundtables and discussions will facilitate the exchange of perspectives and open up new avenues for passing on his legacy.

This gathering will conclude with a collective reflection on the significance of his induction into the Panthéon: national recognition, but also an invitation to bring to life a demanding, critical, and engaged way of thinking in the contemporary world.

Objects and documents that belonged to Marc Bloch will be on display in the Pasteur Room during this event.