Office of State History

The New York History Conference is accepting proposals that deal with the history, culture, economy, politics, geography, anthropology, or archaeology of New York State. We also welcome proposals that use New York’s history as a lens to understand a regional, national, or international issue. Special consideration will be given to topics that directly relate to the theme of the 2026 conference.

We encourage submissions from historians, anthropologists, archeologists, educators, high school and college students, and/or digital humanists engaged in the study of New York’s history at libraries, archives, historic sites, museums and historical societies, and educational institutions. We particularly welcome proposals that illuminate the diversity of New York’s history in regard to race, ethnicity, religion, ability, and/or gender.

Proposals Due December 15, 2025

Proposals can be submitted via this Microsoft Form 

Conference Theme:

New York at 250: The Empire State’s Role in U.S. Independence 

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of its independence in 2026, the 2026 New York History conference provides an opportunity to reexamine New York State’s role in the struggle for independence before, during, and after the period of the American Revolution. Long before the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, even before the first Europeans arrived in North America, the land that would become the Empire State was occupied by a diverse network of Indigenous communities. While the American Revolution was fueled by questions of how to govern, individual and community rights, social and economic freedoms, and access to and control of resources, the questions themselves preceded and have continued beyond that period of conflict.

Types of Proposals:

Roundtable Discussion: A roundtable discussion is comprised of a moderator and 3-4 panelists. The session is organized around a single topic, for instance, “Preparing for the upcoming commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New York” or “Challenges Facing History Museums and Historic Sites.” The moderator then facilitates a discussion about the topic between the panelists while also taking questions from the audience. The total session length, including audience Q&A, is 75 minutes.

Panel: This is a proposal for a traditional panel, in which 2-3 panelists give a research presentation in a 75-minute session (60 minutes for presentations with 15 minutes for Q&A). Panel proposals should include presenters and a moderator who will introduce the panelists and moderate the Q&A.

Single Presentation: This is a proposal a single researcher makes who wishes the conference organizers to place them in a traditional panel, if possible. (The conference program committee strongly encourages proposals for complete panels.)

To submit your proposal, please complete and submit this online form. 

Technology support will be available for a variety of electronic presentations.

Questions about proposals? Please contact statehistory@nysed.gov 

Conference Background: Since the mid-1950s there has been an annual New York State history conference. Over the decades different organizations have led this initiative and most recently in 2022 the Cooperstown Graduate Program, SUNY Oneonta organized and hosted a statewide history conference. Beginning in 2024, the New York State Office of Cultural Education, along with several partner organizations, will facilitate and host a new annual statewide conference that will bring together historians, archivists, museum professionals, librarians, and educators to share research, resources, and best practices related to the field of New York State history.

Thursday, June 11 - Friday, June 12, 2026

Marist University, Poughkeepsie, NY