The New York History Conference is accepting proposals that deal with the history, culture, economy, politics, geography, anthropology, or archaeology of New York State. We also welcome proposals that use New York’s history as a lens to understand a regional, national, or international issue. Special consideration will be given to topics that directly relate to the theme of the 2025 conference.
We encourage submissions from historians, anthropologists, archeologists, educators, high school and college students, and/or digital humanists engaged in the study of New York’s history at libraries, archives, historic sites, museums and historical societies, and educational institutions. We particularly welcome proposals that illuminate the diversity of New York’s history in regard to race, ethnicity, religion, ability, and/or gender.
Date: June 5-6, 2025
Cultural Education Center, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY
CONFERENCE THEME:
Constructing the Empire State: Innovation, Environment, and Imagination in New York History
The upcoming Erie Canal bicentennial is a reminder of New York’s rich history of pathbreaking developments in transportation, commerce, and industry. It is also a reminder that such innovations have amplified debates about the use of resources and the role of the government in managing and mediating change. Likewise, the state’s long record of innovation has repeatedly transformed the way New Yorkers see themselves while sparking lively conversations about historical memory and historic preservation.
Proposals Due: December 15, 2024
Types of Proposals
Roundtable Discussion: A roundtable discussion is comprised of a moderator and 3-4 panelists. The session is organized around a single topic, for instance, “Preparing for the upcoming commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New York.” The moderator then facilitates a discussion about the topic between the panelists while also taking questions from the audience. The total session length, including audience Q&A, is 75 minutes.
Panel: This is a proposal for a traditional panel, in which 2-3 panelists give a research presentation in a 75-minute session (60 minutes for presentations with 15 minutes for Q&A). Panel proposals should include presenters and a moderator who will introduce the panelists and moderate the Q&A.
Single Presentation: This is a proposal a single researcher makes who wishes the conference organizers to place them in a traditional panel, if possible. (The conference program committee strongly encourages proposals for complete panels.)
Educator Workshops: Educator workshops should focus on the use of best pedagogical practices and/or innovative strategies to teach any aspect of New York’s history, culture, politics, economy, geography, anthropology, or archaeology at primary or secondary schools, colleges and/or universities, museums or historic sites. We particularly welcome proposals that encourage the teaching of diverse New York State history in regard to race, ethnicity, religion, ability, and/or gender.
Lightning Round: This is a proposal for a brief 5-minute presentation highlighting a research project or program. Presenters will have the option to include up to two images/slides for their presentation. Presenters will have full audience attention since this is scheduled as a stand-alone event.
To submit your proposal, please complete and submit this online form
https://forms.office.com/r/GWz83CrxG3
Technology support will be available for a variety of electronic presentations.
Questions? Please contact Devin Lander, New York State Historian, at devin.lander@nysed.gov
