This paper was read as the opening conference at the XXVII National History Symposium held in July 2013 in the city of Natal. It discusses initially from a few examples, the various ways in which contemporary societies deal with their past. Then focuses on the challenges of professional historian in Brazil today, especially regarding to its dialogues with other social groups, emphasizing three aspects of these dialogues in which Anpuh has been heavily involved in recent years: the teaching of history, the relationship of historians with truth commissions and the work of these professionals in spaces dedicated to the preservation, organization and public disclosure of historical heritage.
Anpuh; historical profession; social dialogues