You can register onsite for “Right Here, Right Now: The Power of Place,” AASLH’s Annual Conference, which will be held in Buffalo, New York, September 14-17.
We’re always looking to improve and innovate the Annual Conference each year. Here are the new experiences we’ve added this year:
Traditional Native Thanksgiving Address
Recognizing that Native Americans are the first inhabitants of this place, representatives from the local Native community will help open the conference on Thursday with a traditional Native Thanksgiving Address.
New Learning Sessions
Learning sessions are at the heart of every conference and making these sessions as engaging for participants as possible is our priority. This year, there are nine session formats including two that are new—charettes and working group sessions.
A charette is a collaborative session in which a group comes together to draft a solution to a particular problem or expand on an idea. This session is designed as a working session that creates an output. The organizer decides the topic, but the participants supply most of the discussion.
Working group sessions involve an in-depth discussion on an issue in the field. A small group of people will have prepared ahead of time for a discussion on the topic. Audience members can listen to the conversation or participate if they want. There will be an outcome for the session such as an article or blog post.
Lunch on Friday Included with Registration
Your lunch on Friday is included with your conference registration. Better yet, the lunch comes with a conversation between leaders in the preservation community who are working to preserve and interpret places that have—either intentionally or unintentionally—been destroyed or “let go.” Panelists will address the question: Who decides what places get preserved in spaces that are increasingly contested? While the lunch is free, make sure to indicate you’re coming when you register.
Breaks in the Exhibit Hall
Coffee, soda, and snacks will be available during breaks in the Exhibit Hall to help keep you fueled up. As you enjoy your refreshment, make sure to see what’s new with our exhibitors and sponsors.
Historical Thinking Under Fire Town Hall on Thursday
In the past three years, the history field has experienced many ups and downs. The most serious has been the rise of “divisive concepts” legislation limiting the teaching of history that might make a student feel uncomfortable. These concepts include slavery, civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ history, and more, leaving our field in a difficult place. Join in a discussion about what the history field can do to combat these restrictions, support teachers, and continue to champion diverse history at all levels of education. We’ll also share a new toolkit that we’ve developed to help you take action.
Leadership in History Awards Reception on Friday
Instead of an awards dinner, we’re offering a reception this year. Join us to applaud the winners of the 2022 Leadership in History Awards.
Since the awards presentation is a reception, we’re offering three evening events at the conference. Following the awards reception, join us a few blocks away from the convention center at the Michigan Street Party, the heart of Buffalo’s African American heritage. Both the awards reception and the street party require preregistration.