The Organization of American Historians (OAH) will host the nation’s largest single gathering of American historians during its 2015 Annual Meeting.

 

The event is expected to draw about 2,000 top scholars and historians from around the world to the America’s Center and Renaissance Grand Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.

 

The meeting, which is open to both members and non-members of OAH, will feature four days of educational programs showcasing the latest news and developments in historical research, emerging technologies and innovations in teaching, and related best practices. It takes place April 16-19.

 

According to Katherine M. Finley, OAH executive director, the theme of the 2015 gathering will focus on how complex, controversial topics in history—such as race, gender, and sexuality—remain taboo even today.

 

“The courage to challenge taboos, offer fresh interpretations, and ask questions signals an important development in the history community. New dialog deepens and transforms what we know about the study of American history,” Finley explained.

 

Highlights of the 2015 program include:

 

*   150 educational and technology sessions on cutting-edge research and teaching tools, state-of-the-field discussions, student mentorship programs, and career counseling.

*   An exhibit hall with five museum-quality displays and 70 information booths where publishers, book sellers, technology companies, resource providers, and other vendors will discuss and demonstrate their products.

*   “American History from the Inside Out: Putting St. Louis’ History of Cities, Suburbs, and Race Relations to Work to Reconfigure the National Narrative,” a plenary session exploring recent events in Ferguson, MO and how they relate to similar events in communities throughout the U.S.

*   “The Humor in History and the History of Humor,” a plenary session delivered by Mr. Bob Mankoff, The New Yorker cartoon editor and author of the book How about Never: Is Never Good for You?

*   An evening reception featuring a 17-piece St. Louis jazz band is included. Optional city tours to explore St. Louis museums and historical sites are being offered, including a visit to historic Cahokia Mounds, one of the most sophisticated prehistoric cities north of Mexico.

*   The event culminates with an address from Patricia M. Limerick, OAH president, followed by the annual awards banquet.

 

Finley said attendees are a diverse blend of American history professionals, most of whom are university professors and graduate students, high school teachers, and public historians working for state/municipal government agencies, museums and cultural institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

 

Participants are also expected to include about 75 international visitors from 15 countries who study or work in the field of American history.

 

The event is the 108th annual meeting that OAH has hosted and organized since 1907.

 

Preregistration costs are $75 for student members, $115 for non-member students, $155 for members, and $205 for non-members. Register online at meetings.oah.org.

 

Onsite registration for members is $115 for student members, $140 for non-member students, $190 for members, and $250 for non-members. Guests including non-member students, retirees, civic and cultural groups, and others may be eligible for reduced pricing by calling 812.855.7311 or e-mailing meetings@oah.org