Between 12-14 May 2025 the ICARUS consortium gathered in Budapest to celebrate the association’s 34th Convention.
The event once again highlighted the strength of collaboration among European archives — especially through projects like Archives as Traces of Migration (ATOM), Sustainable Archives and Greener Approaches (SAGA) where ICARUS has long played a leading role.
It was wonderful to see how the event encouraged both professional exchange and personal reconnection, while also laying the foundations for future joint initiatives. With close to 100 in-person attendees and an additional 50 online participants, the overarching topic of „Archives Reflecting 21st Century Challenges – Migration and Sustainability“ was tackled from various perspectives. Under the theme of Sustainability and Greener Archives, the presentations covered an impressively broad spectrum: from microbiology, microclimate boxes, to risk analysis and war damages. In the Migration topic, contributions highlighted diverse case studies and methodological approaches, emphasizing the significance of archives in preserving and interpreting migratory experiences across time and space. Stories of oral history and expatriate archives showed that migration is a norm in history, not an exception.
In addition to the rich presentations, the event also featured a series of site visits to important archival and cultural institutions in Budapest. Participants had the opportunity to explore the Open Society Archives, the National Archives of Hungary’s palace at Bécsi kapu tér, the National Museum Conservation and Storage Center, and the headquarters of ARCANUM Ltd. These visits fostered meaningful exchange and broadened participants’ professional perspectives.
Not to forget the traditional soccer match to add a physical dimenstion to the intellectual stimulation experienced during the day!
Find below some impressions of the event:
Day 1: Convention opening, presentations and social event in the afternoon:
Day 2: Presentations, Exhibition opening and soccer match:
Day 3: Final presentations and wrap-up:
