This article discusses the overlooked importance of historical research for the education in emergencies field. Drawing on our research reconstructing education

histories of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), we argue that it is only by looking backwards that we can better understand the present and make impactful changes to future education in emergencies policies and programs.

Jo Kelcey is a Doctoral candidate at New York University, and a Senior Researcher and Program Manager at the Centre for Lebanese Studies, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon. This article was co-authored with Christine Monaghan PhD and Instructor, New York University, USA, and UN Advocacy and Campaigns Manager, Crisis Action.