2027 AASLH Annual Conference Call for Proposals
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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.