2025 Annual Meeting

The Program Committee for the 2025 annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Historical Association invites proposals that explore the theme of “Rights, Reform, and Protest in the Mid-Atlantic.” As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and gather in York, Pennsylvania—a city that hosted the Continental Congress during the British occupation of Philadelphia—this theme encourages a broad examination of how the struggles for rights, reform, and protest have shaped revolutionary change across the history of the region.

[PLEASE NOTE THE SUBMISSION FORMS WILL GO LIVE IN NOVEMBER 2024]

From the American Revolution to the present day, the Mid-Atlantic has been a crucible for movements that challenge authority, expand civil liberties, and inspire transformative social change. We invite proposals that consider these movements across all historical eras, focusing on the roles of individuals and communities in advocating for political, economic, and social reforms. This includes, but is not limited to, studies of revolutionary activity during the 18th century, civil rights movements, industrialization and labor protests, suffrage campaigns, environmental advocacy, and other efforts where calls for rights and reform fueled protests and shaped the course of history.

The Program Committee encourages submissions that explore this theme through diverse lenses, including political, social, and cultural history, public policy, legal studies, and other interdisciplinary perspectives. We are particularly interested in sessions that highlight underrepresented voices and examine how various groups in the Mid-Atlantic—whether defined by race, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or political affiliation—have used protest and reform to claim rights and challenge systems of power.

In addition to this theme, we welcome submissions on all aspects of Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic history. Submissions from all disciplinary backgrounds, including but not limited to history, economic and community development, public policy, sociology, visual culture, and political science, are welcomed. Graduate students are especially encouraged to submit proposals. The PHA also supports student engagement with a research session featuring posters and multimedia projects on all aspects of Mid-Atlantic history.

Full session proposals are preferred, but individual papers will also be considered. All program participants must be members of the PHA at the time of the annual meeting. Deadlines for paper, panel, and roundtable submissions will close on March 15, 2025. We are accepting student poster and multimedia proposals through May 15, 2025.