Celebrating 130 years of Humanists UK

Humanists Victoria warmly congratulates Humanists UK on reaching an extraordinary milestone: 130 years since its founding in 1896.

This anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity, but of the enduring impact of humanist ideas. Over more than a century, Humanists UK has helped shape public conversations around equality, freedom of belief, and ethical living, while supporting non-religious people through ceremonies, advocacy, and community.

To mark the occasion, Humanists UK has launched a new podcast, Unholy Histories, as part of its Humanist Heritage project. The series brings to life the stories of freethinkers, reformers, and campaigners who helped build the humanist movement.

The podcast’s first episode explores the “Heroines of Freethought,” and highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in shaping humanist and reform movements. Future episodes will span topics from ancient atheism to LGBT+ activism, animal rights, and the influence of humanist thinkers on literature and science fiction.

Anniversaries like this are a reminder that humanism is both a deeply rooted and forward-looking philosophy. As Humanists UK continues to evolve and expand its reach, we celebrate not only its history but its ongoing work in building a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world.