A professional institution at the intersection of science, politics, and the public. For 125 years, German historians have gathered in one place to discuss their research and its dissemination, the foundations of their discipline, and its future. The Historikertag, as the largest humanities congress in Europe, today represents an indispensable institution in this dynamic. Initially, there was little to indicate this development. Surprisingly, it has never been thoroughly examined. What diverse conflicts had to be managed? Who was allowed to speak at the Historikertag, and who was not? The turning points of two world wars and political system changes, the challenges of both German dictatorships, as well as the reunification process since 1990.