Call for Papers for the 36th National Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society Conference

The following Call for Papers is from the AAHGS.org website:

October 15-17, 2015 – Richmond, Virginia In October 2015, genealogists and historians from around the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the nation will travel to Richmond to discover and celebrate African-American family history, national history, and the connections therein. The occasion will be the 36th National Conference of the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. (AAHGS).

Call for Papers
The Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society (AAHGS) is pleased to announce an invitation to submit lecture proposals for the 36th National AAHGS Conference to be held at the downtown Richmond Marriott, 500 East Broad St., Richmond, Virginia, October 15-17, 2015. The conference theme is: Virginia, Where African-American Roots Run Deep: Family History and the National Narrative

The 36th National AAHGS conference will celebrate Virginia’s unique place in African-American family history while recognizing that the year 2015 also marks the anniversaries of various national events in the history of the Civil War, Emancipation, and the Civil Rights Movement. The 2015 AAHGS conference will explore Virginia family history, local and national episodes in the American history narrative, and connections between Virginia and the rest of the nation.

Suggested Topics
The 2015 Conference Planning Committee invites proposals for lectures and workshops that illuminate:
 Original family and community history research—from Virginia and beyond
 Best research practices in family history
 Efficient use of genealogy websites and software
 The best use of records and repositories
 Effective strategies for researching, writing, and publishing family histories
 Analysis of the current state, limitations, and future of DNA and genealogical research
 Topics specifically related to African-American genealogy and history in Virginia
 African Americans during slavery, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement
 African-American labor, migration, or organizational history
 Tracing and mapping family histories across the color line
 Other topics relevant to the conference theme or the AAHGS mission

We are looking for presenters who have solidly researched their topic areas, are able to inform a diverse audience, and are able to deliver insightful and enjoyable presentations. We encourage the submission of advanced-level sessions for experienced researchers as well as beginner and intermediate level sessions.

Submission of Proposals
Proposals must be submitted electronically, in Microsoft Word format only, to callforpapers@aahgs.org; hard copies will not be accepted. Proposals must contain complete information suitable for inclusion in the conference syllabus.

Click here for full information on what’s needed from the potential speaker.

Proposals must include the following:
 Session Title
 Research skill level of audience (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
 Presenter’s biography, not to exceed fifty words Recent headshot of presenter; photos should be sent as a high resolution jpeg
 A two to four-page summary of the proposed session, to include resources and/or bibliography, for inclusion in the conference syllabus. One or two paragraph summaries will not be accepted.
 Description of presentation, not to exceed fifty words, for inclusion in program brochure, website, press releases or other materials
 Summary of presenter’s recent speaking experience Deadline and Expectations

The deadline for submission of conference proposals is Sunday, March 15, 2015. Proposals must be submitted by email to callforpapers@aahgs.org.

Each person may submit as many as five proposals, and receipt of proposals will be acknowledged by email. The conference committee will review all submissions and decisions concerning proposals will be made by March 31, 2015. All persons who submit proposals will be notified of the committee’s decision by email promptly thereafter.

AAHGS will provide:
1. An honorarium of $75 for each lecture or workshop session; if a presentation or workshop is conducted by more than one person, the honorarium will be divided among the speakers
2. An LCD projector with standard laptop connectivity/support for each presenter’s use
3. Promotion of the presenter and their lecture in conference materials
4. A table for conference materials, standard microphone and podium

Conference speakers will:
1. Present for one hour, including time for questions and answers
2. Provide high quality electronic presentations that are clear and readable
3. Provide their own laptop computers
4. Provide helpful and educational handout material at their own expense, if desired

PLEASE NOTE:
1. Presenters are encouraged to register for the entire AAHGS conference, but are required to complete conference registration (with or without meals) for the day(s) of their presentation(s).
2. AAHGS will provide an LCD projector and standard projector-to-laptop connection/support. However, presenters using tablets must secure their own cables/connectivity. AAHGS cannot guarantee LCD projector-to-tablet connectivity, and encourages presenters to use laptops exclusively.
3. AAHGS will not provide lapel microphones. You may contact the hotel for pricing.

For further information please contact callforpapers@aahgs.org.