Dear SAH Members,
As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each of you for being an integral part of the SAH community. Your support, dedication, and enthusiasm make our society a vibrant and inclusive network of scholars and practitioners.
This season of reflection is also a time to celebrate our collective achievements and share updates on our ongoing journey toward a more globally connected SAH.
Elections and Shared Governance
In our ongoing commitment to shared governance and to enhancing transparency and democracy we are changing the manner in which we hold elections. The new procedure which will debut in 2025 will allow members to vote for individual candidates for officer and board positions rather than for a slate of candidates. This important change was made possible through the hard work of the Bylaws Ad Hoc Committee and the leadership of former SAH president, Sandy Isenstadt. Moving forward, all officers and board members will be elected by the general membership, marking a significant step in shaping the future of SAH.
Virtual Conference: A Global Connection
Our 2024 virtual conference was another vibrant success. Due to the continued interest and positive impact in this global event, the Executive Committee has approved making this conference
an annual event and a part of SAH’s regular programming. By scheduling panels across different time zones, we are ensuring greater inclusivity and accessibility for members worldwide. This initiative highlights our commitment to fostering a
truly global community.
2024 Atlanta Conference: New Opportunities
Our upcoming conference in Atlanta will include a range of opportunities and activities supplementing the academic program, including workshops tailored for junior faculty. These workshops
are designed aim to promote professional growth and collaboration among members at varying stages of their career. I encourage you to enroll in one of these workshops and consider volunteering to organize one in the future.
Code of Conduct for Communication
SAH is committed to providing a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment for its members to freely express ideas. To help members understand how best to communicate with each other using
SAH email lists, forums, and other outlets, the board has approved a new Code of Conduct for Communication. The code emphasizes professionalism and respect in all interactions.
Strategic Planning
I am deeply thankful to the Strategic Plan committee members, led by Thaisa Way, for their dedication to developing a plan that will guide SAH into the future. The document is slated for discussion at the SAH Board
meeting in April, and soon after we will share it with the membership for comment and adoption. The current committee’s draft is the culmination of three years of hard work by our members and two former presidents, Victoria Young and Pat Morton.
Commitment to Junior Colleagues
This year, I appointed an ad hoc committee to expand opportunities for junior members, including launching a new mentorship program. This initiative will connect senior and junior members, offering
invaluable guidance and support to the next generation of scholars. Stay tuned for more details!
Committee Contributions
SAH’s work is powered by the dedication of more than 150 members serving on committees. Your efforts underpin everything we accomplish. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to advancing SAH’s
mission.
Financial Stability
SAH remains financially strong thanks to the generous support of its members and benefactors. Treasurer Gail Dubrow and Development Committee Chair and former SAH President Abby Van Slyck have done exceptional
work alongside the members of the Budget and Development Committees to engage members in the stewardship of the organization and administer funds sustainably. Your continued support is essential to continue this momentum. Please consider making
a year-end gift to SAH to help us sustain our mission of
inclusivity and global connection.
Special Thanks
A heartfelt thank-you to the SAH staff, Ben Thomas, Beth Eifrig, Anne Bird, Christopher Kirbabas, Olivia Archer, Jamillia Greene. Your tireless efforts and dedication are the foundation of our success.
As we set our sights on the future, we remain committed to making SAH more inclusive, innovative, and global. I warmly invite your suggestions, proposals, and comments as we continue this journey together. Please reach me through the SAH staff at info@sah.org.
On behalf of the entire leadership team, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. I look forward to connecting with you in 2024 as we continue to grow and strengthen this remarkable community.
Best wishes,
Dr. Mohammad Gharipour
President, Society of Architectural Historians
Professor and Director, Architecture Program, University of Maryland
ACSA Distinguished Professor
Cover image: Detail of street clock at Kauffman's Department Store in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Photo by Andrew C. Hope via the SAHARA member's collection.
