Propose a Virtual Gathering

Submit your idea: https://ncph.org/virtual-gathering-proposal/

Proposals accepted on a rolling basis

Virtual Gathering Guidelines

In the “post”-COVID world, virtual programming is here to stay. Our members feel an increased sense of community when they aren’t barred from participation for financial, geographical, or accessibility reasons. So, NCPH is formalizing a way for members to propose free virtual programs and gatherings through us! These gatherings will bring public historians together to socialize, support each other, and work through areas of shared concern.

Because NCPH has a small staff, we cannot host as many programs as we might like. That’s where you come in – if you have an idea for a virtual gathering and have the capacity to run the show, let us know! You’ll have our support with promotion and sign-ups, and we can even create the Zoom link, while you plan and host the program.

Proposing a virtual gathering is simple: just fill out the form and we’ll get back to you with confirmation and/or suggestions. You must be a member of NCPH or on an NCPH committee to propose a gathering, but it should be free and open to non-members.

The topic is up to you, but should follow these general guidelines:

• Gatherings will help public historians build their networks and communities, but they need not be rigorous or formal; we’re open to a wide range of ideas, which might be just as focused on mental health and general well-being, having fun, and making friends as they are on traditional professional development or networking.
• We’ve found that the most successful gatherings are on the small side, with a limited scope and a solid sense of audience and goals for the conversation. Please use your proposal to tell us who you envision participating in the gathering and what your goals are.
• The submitter of the proposal must be an NCPH member or on an NCPH committee.

Examples of successful past events in this model include: events to support people in a specific phase of their public history career, in the vein of Public History Hangouts geared toward students and new professionals; events tailored to a specific sub-field of the profession, like the Consultants’ Grumpy Hour; and conversations with a narrowly-defined topic or problem for discussion, such as “Public Historians and Burnout.” We encourage creativity and are interested in hearing more out-of-the-box ideas.

Questions? Email us at [email protected].