Condition Report: The State of Public History in the South

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette, LA | October 5-6, 2024

Public history practice in the southern United States faces multidirectional threats. Climate change–with attendant warming temperatures, rising waters, and extreme weather events–threatens historic sites, archives, and cultural resources. State laws that attempt to limit historical knowledge may restrict the opportunity to safely and ethically practice history. Local government and public pressure threaten public support for institutions that engage with histories of race, gender, and sexuality. As public historians in the South, our work is as vital and challenging as ever. At this NCPH Mini-Con, we seek new and to continue existing conversations about how to meet and continue our work despite these conditions.

Registration is now closed. Check out the final program here.

Coordinated By

Ian Beamish and Liz Skilton, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Julia Brock, The University of Alabama

Contact Us

For general inquiries, further information, or to lend a hand, please contact

Ian Beamish
[email protected]