Features

We witnessed what the New York Times describes as the largest protest in U.S. history in response to egregious examples of police violence and systemic racism, triggered by the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in May 2020. Police brutality has been the spark for urban rebellions since the early twentieth century, and a new twenty-first-century abolitionist movement has indicted police and prisons as institutions that perpetuate racism and white supremacy and must be dismantled. Chicago has been at the epicenter of the struggle against police violence, from the campaign for justice for victims of police torture under the watch of disgraced police commander Jon Burge; to the 2014 We Charge Genocide delegation that presented grievances to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland; to more recent protests by Black Youth Project 100, Black Lives Matter Chicago and others against the police killings of Rekia Boyd, Laquan MacDonald, Harith Augustus, and others. This plenary panel of scholars and leading Chicago activists will offer historical background and critical analysis of policing and protests in Chicago, and their racial and economic underpinnings.

Chair: Barbara Ransby, University of Illinois at Chicago

Panelists: 
• Aislinn Pulley, Black Lives Matter Chicago
• Alice Kim, Pozen Family Center for Human Rights, University of Chicago
• Simon E. Balto, University of Iowa

This session is captioned

NEW! Graduate Student Caucus

Friday, April 16, 4:30 pm–6 pm

CALLING ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS! Organized by OAH President George Sanchez, this session will serve as a planning and brainstorming meeting for a graduate student caucus within the OAH. This caucus will serve as a first step in creating a formal graduate student committee within the organization. The graduate student caucus/committee will address key issues faced by graduate students working toward degrees and employment as professional historians, including graduate admission policies, curriculum reform, professional development opportunities, career paths, access to funding and resources, and advising and mentorship. Join us for this important discussion as we start the work of creating a new committee that will
support OAH’s mission to advocate for history and its practitioners, and advance scholarship and professional integrity in the field.

OAH Presidential Address: 

"Democracy in Trump's America:  Through the Looking Glass of Family Separation and the Undocumented"

Saturday, April 17, 4:00 pm–5:30 pm

George J. Sanchez 
OAH President
Professor of History, American Studies & Ethnicity
Director, USC Center for Diversity and Democracy
University of Southern California
Long Beach, CA

This session is captioned

OAH President's Reception

Saturday, April 17, 5:30 PM

All attendees are cordially invited to the OAH President’s Closing Reception in honor of OAH President George J. Sanchez. Please join us in thanking him for his service to the organization and the history profession following the OAH Presidential Address.

Featuring
“Jarocho and Bomba: Music, History, and Activism”
Sponsored by Northwestern University
Folk music from Mexico and Puerto Rico has found a special place in the life and culture of Chicago’s Mexican and Puerto Rican communities. This performance highlights two styles that often find themselves in dialogue, as a way of connecting stories of struggle and resilience in Latin America and the United States, in the past and present.

The OAH Awards Ceremony

Friday, April 16, 4:00 pm–4:45 pm

Celebrating the best in American history—writing, teaching, public presentation, research, support, and distinguished careers—the OAH Awards Ceremony recognizes colleagues and friends whose achievements advance our profession, bolstering deep, sophisticated understandings of America’s complex past, and informed, historically relevant discussions of contemporary issues.

Contingent Faculty

OAH CPACE Sponsored Sessions and Events

The Committee on Part-Time, Adjunct and Contingent Employment will host a series of panels, discussions, and gatherings as part of the virtual OAH Annual Meeting on issues that are salient to all faculty in the historical profession, but especially to contingent faculty. On Friday afternoon from 2:00 pm‒ 3:30 pm, we will have a virtual roundtable on “Contingent Academic Labor and Professional Associations.” This panel session will focus on the activities of various professional groups—from the OAH and the AHA to LAWCHA and the AAUP—regarding the status and needs of contingent faculty in higher education. Amidst this long-term employment crisis for historians, exacerbated now by the pandemic, what are the most productive roles for professional organizations? Roundtable participants include Claire Goldstene (LAWCHA), Rachel Buff (AAUP), Emily Swafford (AHA), Elizbeth Hohl (OAH), Dorothee Schneider (OAH), and Eric Fure-Slocum (OAH and LAWCHA). There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion with the audience as part of the round table. Following the roundtable we invite everyone to join us at the scheduled network gathering “Contingent Connections and Cocktails” hosted by a member of CPACE at 5:30 pm.

On Saturday, April 17 CPACE will host two events. The workshop on High Impact Teaching in the Age of the Pandemic will take place, 11:00 am‒1:00 pm, and feature reports from the teaching front from a variety of perspectives by colleagues Lance C. Thurner (Rutgers, Newark), Rosa Squillacote (Hunter College, CUNY), Janine Giordano Drake (Indiana University) Marc Kagan (CUNY) and Eric Schuster (City Colleges of Chicago), launching then into discussion about how contingent faculty have responded and been affected as teachers.

The workshop will be followed by a session, 2:00 pm‒3:30 pm, “Contingent Faculty in a Time of Coronavirus: Views from the Front Lines.” Molly Ball (University of Rochester) and Trevor Griffey (UCLA and UC Irvine) will talk about the work environment and the role of unions for contingent faculty during the COVID-19 crisis. Chaired by Thomas Cox (Sam Houston State University), Naomi R. Williams (Rutgers) will offer comments. There will be opportunity for conversation and virtual networking with and among the audience in connection with this event.

A crowd of African American men standing on the sidewalks in front of a Walgreen Drugs at the corner of 35th and South State Street in the Douglas community area of, during a race riot. Police officers are standing at the forefront of the crowd. (Wikipedia)

K-12

We invite K-12 history educators to take part in the many teaching focused sessions and workshops at the 2021 OAH Virtual Conference. We are especially thankful to the Newberry Library who are offering some sessions and workshops that are professional development credit in the State of Illinois through them.

To receive CDPUs please register for the workshops and sessions and add your IEIN (Illinois Educator Identification Number) if applicable. Please note that only Illinois teachers are eligible to receive Professional Development credits, however all K-12 history educators are welcome to attend.

Important: Full attendance at the sessions are required to receive full CPDU credit.

Sessions and Workshops eligible for CDPUs in the State of Illinois:

Native Pathways to Democracy: American Indians and Civic Culture in the Greater Chicago Region Session and Workshop | 3 CPDUs
Friday, April 16, 12:00 pm‒3:30 pm
Sponsored by Northwestern University and the Newberry Library

In this three-hour workshop, K-12 teachers are invited to attend the“Native Pathways to Democracy” conference panel (Friday, 12:00 pm‒1:30 pm) and participate in this breakout seminar following from 2:00 pm‒3:30 pm, led by Philip Deloria of Harvard University. This breakout session will examine central themes of the panel and emphasize classroom application and pedagogy. All K-12 educators are invited to attend.

Workshop for K-12 Teachers: ¡Viva la libertad!: The Age of Revolutions in the Americas  | 3 CPDUs
Saturday, April 17, 9:00 AM‒12:00 PM
Sponsored by Northwestern University and the Newberry Library

In this three-hour workshop, K-12 teachers will virtually experience the Newberry Library’s exhibition, ¡Viva la libertad!: The Age of Revolutions in the Americas, and participate in a professional development seminar led by Professor Caitlin Fitz, Northwestern University. The seminar will examine central themes of the exhibit and emphasize classroom application and pedagogy. This exhibition of rare books, manuscripts, maps, and artworks from the Newberry’s collections explores the impact of the Age of Revolutions across the Americas—from struggles for racial justice to border disputes, from gold mines to gauchos, and from democratic ideals to dictatorships.

Latino Community Formation in the Crucible of Latin American Revolutions, 1898-1920 |1.5 CPDUs
Saturday, April 17, 2:00 PM‒3:30 PM
Sponsored by the Newberry Library

This seminar will look at the Spanish American War in Cuba and Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Revolution, and important moments in the formation of Latino communities across the United States.

This seminar, led by Geraldo Cadava of Northwestern University, will look at the Spanish American War in Cuba and Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Revolution, and important moments in the formation of Latino communities across the United States.

K-12 Social Gathering
Friday, April 16, 6:00 pm‒7:30 pm
During this reception, Dr. Kara Johnson (Manager of Teacher & Student Programs, Newberry Library, Chicago) will speak briefly about the Newberry’s various efforts to incorporate digital education tools into their education programming, and will be available to answer questions about K-12 humanities education, teaching with primary sources, and how the library is working hard to meet the needs of teachers and students during the pandemic. The Newberry is the Illinois Professional Development credit provider for the K-12 sessions on Friday and Saturday.

Teachers Trivia Challenge and Networking Hour
Saturday, April 17, 5:30 pm‒6:30 

Join us for a fast-paced Kahoot! challenge where you will play games like Race the Presidents, President IQ, Date Duel, and Who’s the Notable American? Haven’t heard of these games? They are easy and we will explain them as we go. These games are fun for adults and they are fun in classrooms too! For this challenge you will log into Zoom and answer from a smart phone or split screen. Extra points for a clever U.S. history-related player name. We will weave in networking time to this challenge.

Workshops

Workshops

The conference includes a number of live interactive workshops that will take place using the Zoom Meetings platform. To ensure maximum interaction, registrants and presenters will interact using their cameras and microphones. Several workshops will include breakout sessions and small group learning.

Most workshops require pre-registration.
(Workshops will not be recorded)

Live Sessions

Live Sessions

A number of live sessions will take place from Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (ET). Attendees and session participants can engage in discussion and Q&A via the session chat box during and after the session. If conversation lasts longer than the session, the Hallway (lounge) is available for further discussions.

Discussion Groups

Discussion Groups

30-minute discussion groups will be hosted by On-demand session participants from Friday, April 16, to Sunday, April 18. Watch sessions at your leisure, and join session participants for lively topic discussions and question-and- answer periods. Chat seminar sessions are 45 minutes long. All discussion groups will take place in the Zoom Meeting platform where all attendees and participants can interact in live video chat.

Sponsored by HistoryPlunge

Historian’s History Trivia and Networking “Power Hour”
Friday, April 16, 5:30 pm‒6:30 pm

Pre-registration required
Come join us for an hour of history trivia, networking and fun. This event will feature a fast-paced friendly trivia competition focusing on U.S. Presidents, a diverse set of Notable Americans, and events in U.S. history. All you need for this challenge is a computer. We will also weave in time for networking with your colleagues.

Teachers Trivia Challenge and Networking Hour
Saturday, April 17, 5:30 pm‒6:30 pm

Pre-registration required
Join us for a fast-paced Kahoot! challenge where you will play games like Race the Presidents, President IQ, Date Duel, and Who’s the Notable American? Haven’t heard of these games? They are easy and we will explain them as we go. These games are fun for adults and they are fun in classrooms too! For this challenge you will log into Zoom and answer from a smart phone or split screen. Extra points for a clever U.S. history-related player name. We will weave in networking time to this challenge.

All scheduled gatherings only include a start time to allow people from various time-zones to participate. Special events within scheduled gatherings will start at 6:00 pm (ET).

THURSDAY, APRIL 15
5:30 pm

OAH Opening Night Social

Celebrate the opening day of the conference at the OAH Opening Night Gathering. Use the Menu in the Pre-event Packet to pair this event with cocktails, mocktails, and snacks, or simply bring your personal favorites. We invite you to explore the various booths in the Exhibit hall, check out the virtual enhancement links, or just hang out in the lounge. Take this time to meet with exhibitor representatives, peers, and friends, survey new titles, explore available resources, and plan your book-shopping strategy.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
5:30 pm

Sponsored by the OAH Committee on the Status of African American, Latino/a, Asian American, and Native American (ALANA) Historians and ALANA Histories

ALANA Social

We invite all scholars committed to advancing the histories of people of color in the United States to join us for a social at the 2021 OAH Annual Meeting. Come socialize and learn more about the OAH ALANA Committee and the Huggins-Quarles Dissertation Award. Graduate students and junior faculty are especially encouraged to attend.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
5:30 pm

Sponsored by the OAH Committee on Community Colleges

Community College Social

College historians are invited to gather to network and meet with members of the OAH Committee on Community Colleges to discuss new developments in history departments at America’s community colleges.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
5:30 pm

Sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Contingent Connections and Cocktails

The Committee on Part-Time, Adjunct, and Contingent Employment (CPACE) invites you to meet committee members and chat about issues related to contingent faculty members of the history profession, including the development of a caucus.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
5:30 pm

Sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Graduate Students Social

We welcome graduate students to attend this gathering, which offers an opportunity to share experiences and make lasting connections. Meet with fellow attendees and representatives from the OAH.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
5:30 pm

Sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Independent Scholars Social

We welcome independent scholars to attend this reception, which offers an opportunity to share experiences and make lasting connections. Meet with fellow attendees over bites and beverages.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
5:30 pm

Sponsored by the OAH International Committee

International Social

The OAH International Committee welcomes all attendees interested in faculty and student exchanges and other efforts to promote global ties among historians of the United States. Attendees from countries other than the United States are especially encouraged to attend.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
5:30 pm

K-12 Social Gathering

During this gathering, Dr. Kara Johnson (Manager of Teacher & Student Programs, Newberry Library, Chicago) will speak briefly about the Newberry’s various efforts to incorporate digital education tools into their education programming, and will be available to answer questions about K-12 humanities education, teaching with primary sources, and how the library is working hard to meet the needs of teachers and students during the pandemic. The Newberry is the Illinois Professional Development credit provider for the K-12 sessions on Friday and Saturday

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
5:30 pm

Sponsored by the OAH Committee on the Status of LGBTQ Historians and Histories 

LGBTQ Social

Please join the Committee of LGBTQ Historians and Histories for a social gathering at the 2021 OAH Annual Meeting. The recipient of the John D’Emilio Dissertation Prize will be celebrated at the reception.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
5:30 pm

Sponsored by the OAH Committee on Public History and OAH Committee on National Park Service Collaboration

Public History and NPS Social

The OAH Committee on Public History and the OAH Committee on National Park Service Collaboration invite all public historians and those curious about public history for discussion and networking. The social is a great opportunity to build your professional network and share your thoughts with colleagues.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17
5:30 pm
 

  OAH President's Social

All attendees are cordially invited to the OAH President’s Closing Reception in honor of OAH President George J. Sanchez. Please join us in thanking him for his service to the organization and the history profession following the OAH Presidential Address.

Featuring
“Jarocho and Bomba: Music, History, and Activism”
Sponsored by Northwestern University
Folk music from Mexico and Puerto Rico has found a special place in the life and culture of Chicago’s Mexican and Puerto Rican communities. This performance highlights two styles that often find themselves in dialogue, as a way of connecting stories of struggle and resilience in Latin America and the United States, in the past and present.

Workshops

Workshops

The conference includes a number of live interactive workshops that will take place using the Zoom Meetings platform. To ensure maximum interaction, registrants and presenters will interact using their cameras and microphones. Several workshops will include breakout sessions and small group learning.

Most workshops require pre-registration.
(Workshops will not be recorded)

Live Sessions

Live Sessions

A number of live sessions will take place from Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (ET). Attendees and session participants can engage in discussion and Q&A via the session chat box during and after the session. If conversation lasts longer than the session, the Hallway (lounge) is available for further discussions.

Discussion Groups

Discussion Groups

30-minute discussion groups will be hosted by On-demand session participants from Friday, April 16, to Sunday, April 18. Watch sessions at your leisure, and join session participants for lively topic discussions and question-and- answer periods. Chat seminar sessions are 45 minutes long. All discussion groups will take place in the Zoom Meeting platform where all attendees and participants can interact in live video chat.

On-Demand Sessions

On-Demand

On-demand sessions are available to all registered attendees at anytime following the start of the conference, and up to 30 days following. 

You have the opportunity to watch all sessions, including live sessions that you may have missed. 

The lounges at the Virtual Conference are available at any time. Each lounge, named after a neighborhood in Chicago, is available for you to explore. They include links to virtual tours, playlists, and entertainment.

Lounges will include

• The Hallway‒connect with speakers following live sessions
• Albany Park
• Boystown
• Bronzeville
• Humboldt Park
• Little Village
• Pilsen
• South Loop
• Wrigleyville

Some virtual tours include:

Lawndale: The Transformation of a Chicago Neighborhood through Archives

Marcia Walker-Williams, Executive Director of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium,” and Andrew Sandoval-Strausz, historian at Penn State University and author of Barrio America: How Latino Immigrants Saved the American City, will present and discuss the archival materials that have helped tell the story of Chicago’s evolution, and the evolution of the city’s African American and Latino communities, since World War II.

Newberry Library: “!Viva la Libertad!: The Age of Revolutions in Latin America”

The Newberry Library has organized a series of events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of a critical turning point in the history of independence in Latin America. This virtual tour based on an exhibition at the Newberry seeks to place the histories of former Spanish, Portuguese, and French colonies alongside more familiar histories of the American Revolution, in order to promote conversation and improve understanding of the intertwined nature of political struggle in our hemisphere during this period.

Chicago Monuments Decolonized

This self-guided or virtual tour orients conference participants to the landscape of historical memory in Chicago. Discussions include monuments being protested, reevaluated, and removed as well as alternative, unofficial, and popular monuments. Led by experts in indigenous history and the settlement of the Chicago area.

Mexican Chicago through the Art of Pilsen: Murals and Museums

Join historian Geraldo Cadava on a virtual walking tour of the Mexican community in Pilsen, seen through the neighborhood’s public murals and the National Museum of Mexican American Art.

Archives of Black Chicago

Learn about the Archives of Black Chicago from the archivists and historians who know them well. Focusing on the work of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium, this conversation is a valuable one for historians interested in African American history, urban history/studies, and more.

Santiago X

Chicago-based artist Santiago X is an Indigenous futurist and multidisciplinary artist specializing in land, architectural, and new media installation. He is an enrolled citizen of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana (Koasati) and Indigenous Chamoru from the Island of Guam U.S.A (Hacha'Maori). Currently, Santiago X is reinvigorating the ancestral mound building practice of his Koasati people, via two large-scale augmented public earthwork installations along the Chicago and Des Plaines River in Chicago, Illinois. Santiago X will display and discuss some of his work from around the city.

Archives in and Around Chicago

This virtual booth features resources for historical researchers housed in and around the city of Chicago, but also features opportunities to learn more about online depositories relevant to projects on Chicago and the Midwest. Featuring archivists and lists related to LGBTQ+ history, Asian-American history and studies, Black Chicago, Latinx Chicago, Women’s History in Chicago, and more.