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The Hist - Guinness World Record’s oldest student society Luke Fehily, BA (2021), Auditor 250th Session, reflects on the Hist’s journey, its impact, and the honour of being recognised as the world’s oldest student society The College Historical Society, commonly known as ‘the Hist’ The ethos of the Hist, codified in its Laws and upheld through has long been the main centre of independent intellectual weekly meetings and debates, embodies Trinity’s commitment discourse and rigorous debate among students. Established to free thought and expression. The weekly Wednesday debate in March 1770, inspired by Edmund Burke’s Club of 1747, it and many international debating competitions serve as a has now achieved yet another remarkable milestone: official training ground for Hist members to improve their reasoning recognition by Guinness World Records as the world’s and communications skills. In June 1840, Thomas oldest student society in continuous existence. Davis, a founder of the Young Irelanders and then President of the Society, delivered a speech The foundation of the Society was a seminal claiming that the utility of a debating society The greatest moment in the now long-standing tradition of was in its ability to remedy the defects of of all schools student organisation. From initial gatherings a university education. 180 years later, in of oratory of 13 students who, in March 1770, created an Irish Times article commemorating the a platform for dialogue and exploration, the Society has grown in stature, influence, and Senator Ted Kennedy Society’s 250th Anniversary, former Tánaiste Mary Harney echoed this sentiment stating tradition. The debating unions of Cambridge, that debating with the Hist was instrumental Oxford, and Durham were later modelled on the in allowing her to better understand different Hist, as the principles of student engagement spread perspectives and enhance her critical thinking. from Trinity to other universities. Today, with constructive, and sometimes contentious debate, the Hist continues to promote The Society, having been named by Senator Ted Kennedy as the once radical idea that student voices should be encouraged ‘the greatest of all schools of oratory’, has through its members and heard. and alumni exerted significant influence on pivotal moments in Irish history. This influence is observed in revolutionaries Robert Emmet and Wolfe Tone who both served as Auditor of the Society, in discussions on Irish Home Rule in the 18th century, and in the Society’s debates on political and social change through much of the 1900s. The rich tapestry of the Hist’s history boasts notable figures who have left indelible marks on the world stage. FH Boland, a prominent figure in the mid-20th century, went on to become the President of the United Nations General Assembly where he may well have met fellow Hist alumnus Jaja Wachuku, first foreign minister of independent Nigeria. Isaac Butt, Bram Stoker, Edward Carson, Oscar Wilde, and Douglas Hyde were prominent in the Hist – Samuel Beckett was a member and spoke occasionally, perhaps a portent of his preference for brevity. Conor Cruise O’Brien, a diplomat, politician, writer, historian and academic, speaking to the Society as a student in 1939 Recognition by Guinness World Records is a nod to the continuing oratorical excellence, free inquiry, and interdisciplinary debate that to this day prepares Trinity
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Rosaleen Mills, the first woman to address the Society, otion “That This House Reveres speaking for The Memory the m of Mrs Pankhurst”, January 15th, 1969. Hist250 Celebrations featuring Hist book Jaja WatchLu-Rk:uRfoamssiHlyinmdesm, Mbearrsy, HMaicrkneOy’,Dea RHA. graduates for careers in all walks of life. The extraordinary opportunities presented to students by the Society, be that hearing speeches from some of the world’s most influential thinkers or attending debating competitions in Belfield, Vietnam, and everywhere in between, are made possible by other students’ vision, commitment, and hard work. Over the years, members have been addressed by figures such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Margaret Atwood, and Noam Chomsky, as well as three generations of Churchills and every single Taoiseach and President of Ireland. Nobel laureates, heads of state, writers, and political activists come to Dublin each year to address the Society’s members. Guests for the upcoming academic year range from Joe Kennedy III to Hugh Grant. The Hist has not just maintained its position as a great society of debate and oratory but become a leader in many other areas, including competitive debating, schools’ debating, and event organisation. The combination of discourse, science, culture, and the arts allows the society to be at the forefront of new ideas and radical thought. The Hist today strives to inspire its members and create a space that fosters diversity and curiosity because, as much as the Hist shapes its members, its members also shape it. At its very core, it is an institution by and for students. To ensure those discussions and opportunities are open to all, the society has several projects that promote accessibility to the university, debating, and the Hist itself. Today, Hist alumni continue to influence and transform Ireland as Supreme Court judges, ambassadors, scientists, civil servants, and journalists. The Hist Club, launched in March 2023, provides a forum for current student members, alumni, and friends of the Society to meet and stay in touch. The Guinness World Record is a reminder of the Hist and Trinity’s shared commitment to education, dialogue, and the fostering of an environment where students can come together, debate, and create history. These shared values and the recognition by Guinness World Records were celebrated on 20 October where friends of the Society were invited to attend a keynote address and a gala in the Dining Hall. Click here to join the Hist Club mailing list. Click here for further information on the Society’s history which can be found in Trinity College Dublin: The College Historical Society, Oratory and Debate 1770–2020 by Professor Patrick Geoghegan and edited by Ross Hinds. The knowledge and insight of a distinguished scholar is brought to this critical exploration of the debates and the debaters who shaped its history and of the impact of its members on life across the globe. This official history is available from the Lilliput Press. Naomi Panovka and Daniela Williams (ex-Censor, ex-Debates Convenor) represented the Hist at the European Universities Debating Championship in Bulgaria this year. The Hist duo ranked fifth out of more than 150 teams and beat out world-class speakers to reach the Grand Final.
