In this, the final talk in this year’s Museum Lecture Series, the Chief Executive of the GFA and former HM Government of Gibraltar Archivist, Mr Dennis Beiso, will be discussing the complex interplay of factors that have contributed to the evolution of the Gibraltarian national identity, looking in particular at social and political developments after the Second World War and how these helped to mould Gibraltarian identity today. His talk is entitled: “A History of Gibraltar in Five Parts: Part 5 – the History of an Identity”

His thesis will be that Gibraltarian identity is, broadly speaking, a postwar phenomenon and one that was particularly shaped firstly by the experience of the civilian evacuation during the war, but also by the political events of the 1960s and beyond. He will further attempt to identify the “markers” or historic events which provided the basis for the development and evolution of that identity. Mr Beiso will also consider the question of identity confusion, exploring whether it exists in Gibraltar and, if so, how it manifests itself.

The talk will conclude with a consideration of the future of Gibraltarian identity. Identity is, after all, never static. It exists in a constant state of flux. The modern world provides challenges to identity, particularly in a small community such as Gibraltar’s. Questions that will be raised include: How will that identity stand the test of these modern challenges? How will it respond to challenges posed by ever-shifting economic patterns; to globalisation and continued immigration?

Finally, he will also consider the impact on identity of the developments in Gibraltarian “low” culture, and how identity might be shaped by events in this field.

As always, there will be a discussion session following Mr Beiso’s presentation.

The talk will take place on Thursday 12th December at 7:00pm at the John Mackintosh Hall. Entrance is free and everyone is welcome.