Join us as we not only look back at Coram’s important history, but look around us and to the future at ways that we can collectively work towards better chances for children.
Upcoming events
“His Innocent Subjects”: A Historical Exploration of the ‘Deserving’ and ‘Undeserving Poor’: Monday 29 January, 6 – 7.30pm, online
In a speech made to the Duke of Bedford at the first meeting of the Foundling Hospital governors in 1739, Thomas Coram spoke of his ambition to protect the “innocent subjects” of King George III. The language used to refer to those in need has fluctuated, but continues to reveal important facts about how societies past and present have conceptualized themselves and the systems of wealth and welfare they create.
The dichotomy of the ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving poor’ can be traced back centuries, but still carries considerable weight in the popular perceptions and political narratives that surround socio-economic need. Please join us and our panel of speakers to examine how our understanding of poverty and need has evolved, or not, since the time of Thomas Coram, and the impact this has on the contemporary world.
Recent events
No Place Like Home: The Story of the Foundling Hospital – Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Monday 20 November 2023, 6pm – 7.30pm, online
To celebrate World Children’s Day, Coram Society hosted an online screening of a documentary film created as part of Coram’s ‘Voices Through Time: The Story of Care’ programme. Made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this documentary tells the story of the Foundling Hospital and the children who grew up there from 1741 to 1954.
Forgotten Foundlings? Voicelessness and invisibility in the story of care: Monday 30 October 2023, 6 – 7.15pm, online
Coram Society and In Between Lines held an online event marking the close of Black History Month 2023. This year’s event centred on the voices of those that have been missing from the historical record, as well as the experience of our speakers and young people in the Voices through Time: The Story of Care programme.
Become a member
There is no joining fee but we are grateful for donations to support the Coram Society programme.
You don’t need to be a Coram Society member to join our events, but you will be the first to know about any new events if you sign up for our email updates. Please email events@coram.org.uk for more information or sign up using the form below.