Society Synopsis 2024: Growing Opportunities and Gaining Momentum

481 scholars joined SAH in Albuquerque, New Mexico in April for the 77th Annual International Conference, which featured an expanded program. We offered 11 more academic sessions than the conference in 2023—a change that allowed 60 more scholars to present their work to their peers.

The third annual 2024 Virtual Conference in September showcased 81 papers presented by speakers from 71 institutions across 15 countries.  By scheduling panels across different time zones, SAH is ensuring greater inclusivity and accessibility for members worldwide. Thanks to its success, SAH announced it will continue this online event annually to maximize opportunities to share research.

Executive Director Ben Thomas (center) with attendees at the 76th SAH Annual International Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

JSAH continued to explore new research horizons. The Journal published two essay-driven roundtables exploring Asian American and Pacific Islander Architectural Histories, and Race and the Built Environment in the Iberian World ca. 1400-1800. Editors also invited papers for an upcoming roundtable that examines how we might take up a historical lens to the spatial and architectural dimensions of trans experiences.

Building a Strong Professional Field

As part of the Society's mission to create a welcoming and vibrant space for new scholars and their ideas, SAH has pursued programming for emerging scholars. SAH's upcoming conference in Atlanta will include workshops tailored for this group, designed to promote professional growth and collaboration among members at varying stages of their career.

The Graduate Student Advisory Committee completed a successful year of programming. It's third annual Method Acts symposium examined innovative research methods for engaging with historical evidence.  Speaking to historian and author Irit Katz about her latest book and the process of developing a book-length study in architectural history. In the last half of the year, GSAC launched its own newsletter highlighting early-career-specific opportunities at SAH and beyond.

Advocating and Acting for Preservation

The SAH Heritage Conservation Committee led the Society's preservation advocacy efforts. In the past year, they issued nine statements and letters of support for issues including cultural losses in Iran and Sudan and landmark status for sites in San Antonio, Texas; New York City; and Boston.

The Color Film Emergency Project, first conceived in 2012, was awarded a $340,000 Humanities Collections and Reference Resources grant in June from the National Endowment for the Humanities to continue its work in identifying and saving significant 35mm slide collections through description, digitization, and accessibility through SAHARA—SAH’s online image database.

Building a Sustainable Future

SAH is created for and by its members. None of our work is possible without your participation and support. We have many reasons to look forward to the future.

425 new members joined the organization this year, and we welcomed back nearly 300 rejoining members rejoining. Today we serve roughly 2,300 individuals and 450 institutional members.

In addition to annual dues, many SAH members choose to give gifts in support of the Society’s programming and fellowships. The Pull Together campaign in the early part of the year united SAH Fellows, current and former Officers, longtime donors, and members in an effort that raised more than $70,000 for Society activities. View a complete list of 2023-24 donors.

The Strategic Plan committee, led by Thaïsa Way, have spent the year developing a positive guide for SAH's future. The final plan is slated for discussion at the SAH Board meeting in April, and soon after leaders will share it with you for comment and adoption. This latest effort is the culmination of three years of hard work by SAH members and two former presidents, Victoria Young and Pat Morton.

Let's Build on this Momentum

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