Conference Theme: Conference Theme: As the field of state and local history continues to evolve, the 2027 AASLH Annual Conference theme invites practitioners to reflect on where we have been, who shaped the foundations of our work, and how we move forward together. Interwoven Histories and Shared Stewardship centers shared authority, collective memory, and the responsibility to steward history with the communities, not for them
This theme calls on historians, archivists, museum professionals, educators, and cultural stewards to examine the ways our work has been shaped by those who came before us. History makers and movement builders laid the groundwork for the practices we inherit today. By looking back at our roots, we gain clarity about the ethical responsibilities and possibilities that define our present work.
At its core, the theme challenges the idea that we tell separate stories. Instead, it recognizes that our narratives are interconnected. Across regions, cultures, and communities, there are threads linking local histories to national and global experiences. Often, there is only a thin degree of separation between seemingly distinct stories. The Interwoven Histories and Shared Stewardship between us reveal relationships, shared struggles, collective resilience, and intertwined futures.
This theme emphasizes participatory practice and inclusive storytelling. It encourages institutions to move beyond extractive approaches and toward collaboration, co-creation, and community leadership. It asks: Who is shaping the historical record? Whose voices remain absent? How do we ensure communities have agency in how their histories are preserved and interpreted?
Looking both backward and forward, this theme invites the field to:
- Honor the legacy of practitioners and community historians who shaped the profession
- Recognize interconnected histories across communities and regions
- Advance shared authority and community-centered archival practices
- Reexamine power, access, and representation in historical stewardship
- Strengthen relationships between institutions and the communities they serve
- Envision a future in which history work fosters belonging, accountability, and collective care
Gathering in Madison the ancestral and still homelands of the Ho-Chunk Nation, the conference is designed as a space with Wisconsin experiences in mind to build meaningful and memorable connections. From structured networking opportunities in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace and museums around the State Capitol to informal conversations on Madison’s State Street and tours of Tribal effigy mounds, Milwaukee “Beer Capitol of the World” or community museums and cultural experiences in the Driftless Region, participants will engage in critical dialogue, share innovative practices, strengthen relationships, and build strategies that move the field forward.
By exploring the threads between us, we affirm that history is not owned by institutions alone. It lives in community memory, lived experience, and collective stewardship.
Presenter Information: The Session Organizer is responsible for logistics, requests for materials and equipment, communication with participants and AASLH staff, and leading the session itself. The Session Chair should be a member of AASLH.
In order to involve as many people as possible in the meeting, no one can chair more than one session or participate in more than two. The committee also strongly discourages sessions where all presenters are from the same organization. It is also suggested that you consider including varied stakeholders, such as project directors, partners, advisors, users. If you need assistance finding presenters that bring diversity in institution, geography, perspectives, or race, please contact the AASLH staff or the 2027 Program Co-Chairs. Note: You will need to create a username and password for the Submittable site. This is separate from your membership login at aaslh.org.
Review Information: Proposals will be reviewed in December and January. Submitters will be informed by the committee's decision by February 15. Click here to access the review rubric for judging sessions.
AASLH is accepting submissions of short articles to be posted on our official blog. Specifically, we are seeking articles on issues and challenges facing history organizations and their staffs. Articles should be clear, concise, and offer obvious takeaways or suggestions. There is no deadline, and submissions are welcomed at any time. You can expect a response within two or three weeks.
Here are ideas on what to write:
- Takeaways from history organizations doing great work
- Lessons learned from recent or ongoing projects at your organization
- Tips on administration and leadership
- Career advice and guidance for professionals in the field
- Unique takes on current trends (i.e. what’s the next Hamilton?)
- Constructive reflections on the state of the field
Guidelines:
- Length: 350-800 words
- Posts should be in Chicago Style
- All submissions must include at least one landscape orientation photo with photo credit/caption
- Do not footnote; instead, provide URLs for references
- Single space after sentences
Photos:
- All submissions must include at least one landscape orientation photo
- Two-three photos are ideal
- Photos should at least 750 pixels wide
- Photos should be free of any copyright restrictions; include attributions/ credit in the captions
Terms:
- Articles should be original content that has not been published elsewhere
- AASLH reserves the right to turn down any post that isn’t a good fit for the blog
- AASLH is not required to use the photos submitted with the post if they are not a good fit; in that case, the blog editor will supply appropriate photos to go with the post
- AASLH will adjust or replace titles as needed for consistency and clarity and can make minor edits without author approval
Questions? Email Aja Bain at abain@aaslh.org
AASLH serves members working with and for all kinds of historical organizations. As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, we will be focusing on reaching small museums and historical societies and on promoting inclusive history and inclusive practices. We invite our members to consider serving on Council (the organization’s board of trustees) or the Leadership Nominating Committee (LNC). In these roles, you or a colleague can play a vital part in shaping the organization’s future.
Nominate an AASLH member who is:
- Passionate about history and its place in contemporary culture.
- Connected to a network of peers in the field.
- Willing to both speak their mind and work as a team.
- Committed to innovation, inclusion, and experimentation.
- Holds specific skills and expertise in areas of museum or history work.
- Someone who believes they can make a difference.
You may nominate yourself or nominate a colleague for a position on either Council or for a position on the Leadership Nominating Committee.
Nominations are accepted year-round. For assistance, please contact AASLH at 615-320-3203 or abain@aaslh.org.
The following courses are part of AASLH’s Small Museum Pro! certificate program. If you have completed and passed five of the courses below, please submit this form to request your Small Museum Pro! certificate.
- CARING FOR MUSEUM COLLECTIONS
- COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT
- DEVELOPING EXHIBITIONS: PLANNING
- DEVELOPING EXHIBITIONS: DESIGN
- INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
- LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION FOR HISTORY ORGANIZATIONS
- MUSEUM EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The AASLH book series connects the people engaged in history work to new questions, ideas, perspectives, and each other. By featuring news, current issues, trends, and best practices from throughout the history community, our books inform, inspire, challenge, and link together those who preserve and interpret the past.
We welcome book proposals dealing with all aspects of public history, including current trends, timely issues, and best practices for professional development and the overall improvement of the history field. We are especially interested in books that give a fresh perspective to traditional theories, in-depth case studies that reveal applicable and relevant concepts, and subject matter that has the ability to resonate throughout all levels of the field. Proposals are reviewed by the AASLH Editorial Advisory Committee, who may make suggestions for improvement and needed changes before approval. Once a proposal is approved, authors sign a contract with Rowman & Littlefield and are responsible for producing the work within 15-18 months.
AASLH reserves the right to reject material that is not consonant with the mission, values, or goals of the organization. Contact the book series editor Aja Bain with questions at abain@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
History News connects the people engaged in history work to new questions, ideas, perspectives, and each other. By featuring news, current issues, trends, and best practices from throughout the history community, it informs, inspires, challenges, and links together those who preserve and interpret the past.
We welcome article proposals dealing with all aspects of public history, including current trends, timely issues, and best practices for professional development and the overall improvement of the history field. We are especially interested in articles that give a fresh perspective to traditional theories, in-depth case studies that reveal applicable and relevant concepts, and subject matter that has the ability to resonate throughout all levels of the field. AASLH reserves the right to reject material that is not consonant with the mission, values, or goals of the organization.
Before committing to a full article, we ask that you submit an abstract here. In 300 words or less, outline the main points of your article and explain how it supports the AASLH mission. Please include your email address so we can follow up with you.