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Proposals must be submitted by a Current AAAM Member.
Call for Proposals: 47th Annual AAAM Conference - Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
Conference Theme: Voices of Democracy: Commemorating the Voting Rights Act's 60th Anniversary
Conference Dates: July 23-25, 2025
Location: Charleston, SC
Hashtag: #AAAM2025
The Association of African American Museums (AAAM) invites proposals for its 2025 Annual Conference, which will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act under the theme Voices of Democracy. This landmark gathering will bring together museum professionals, scholars, and community leaders to explore the achievements of civil rights champions and reflect on the enduring legacy of their work for democracy.
Proposal Focus Areas
We encourage proposals that explore the following:
- Legacy of Civil Rights Leaders: Sessions highlighting key figures who were instrumental in securing the Voting Rights Act. Proposals should examine their lives, contributions, and how their legacy continues to shape civil rights and voting rights today.
- Interpreting & Preserving Stories of Democracy: How are African American-focused museums and cultural institutions interpreting and preserving these critical stories? Presentations should discuss strategies, exhibitions, and programs that safeguard the narratives of democracy, civil rights, and African American history.
- Advocacy in African American Museums: How do museums engage with issues of democracy and civil rights advocacy in their communities? Proposals may cover approaches to education, public programs, and partnerships that ensure these stories reach broad and diverse audiences.
- Challenges and Opportunities in Telling Civil Rights Stories: Discussing practical, ethical, and cultural considerations in interpreting civil rights narratives, including community engagement, inclusive storytelling, and addressing contemporary challenges.
Submission Guidelines
Proposals may include panels, workshops, and roundtable discussions. Please ensure that submissions align with the following criteria:
1. Abstract: A 300-word abstract detailing the presentation focus, objectives, and relevance to the conference theme.
2. Format: Indicate the preferred presentation format (e.g., panel, workshop, roundtable, poster).
3. Learning Outcomes: Briefly outline expected outcomes for attendees.
4. Presenter(s): Include name(s), title(s), affiliation(s), and brief bio(s) of all presenters.
5. Engagement: Describe how the session will actively engage attendees and encourage discussion.
Required for Submission:
- Panel chair Contact information- Name, Email and phone number.
- Session Description
- Connection to conference theme
- Audience
- Learner Outcomes
- Issues session addresses
- Panelist Full name, Title, Institution, Email, Phone
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: February 10, 2025 (11:59 pm PST)
- Notification of Acceptance: May 1, 2025
Submit Your Proposal
Please submit proposals through our online portal at [WA link to submission portal]. We welcome submissions from museum professionals, historians, archivists, CFO’s, educators, and community leaders.
Join Us in Charleston
#AAAM2025 will offer a unique platform for exploring the ongoing significance of democracy and civil rights in African American history and culture. Join us in Charleston as we honor the legacy of the Voting Rights Act and share strategies for ensuring these vital stories continue to inspire and educate future generations.
For questions, please contact info@blackmuseums.org
Proposals specific to the following will also be considered:
- Funding
- Sustainability
- Board Training
- Staff Retention
AAAM 2025 conference is a unique opportunity for our community to come together face to face after a long absence. In this hybrid dialogue, our hope is that we can explore the ways in which our members have evolved and adjusted to this globally historic pandemic as well as once again connect and fellowship as a community.
By submitting your proposal, you agree to AAAM's Code of Conduct. If AAAM needs to switch to a virtual environment, you are willing to present, and agree to have your session recorded and used by AAAM at a later date. https://blackmuseums.org/code-of-conduct-agreement/
Session Topics should address best practices in one of the following areas:
Track 1: Audience Diversity (Relevance, Outreach and Responsiveness)
Track 2: Collections Information Management and/or Digitization (Archiving & Conserving)
Track 3: Financial Stewardship (Resource Management and Institutional Advancement)
Track 4: Leadership Development (Strategic Forecasting and Succession Planning)
Track 5: Organizational Development (Mission, Governance and Operations Planning)
Track 6: Visitor Experience (Education, Curation, Interpretation, Public Programs, and Exhibits)
Track 7: Advocacy (Creating Buy-In, Alliance Building among Funders and Policy Makers)
Track 8: Marketing (Social Media, and Audience Engagement)
Within these tracks, we encourage proposals for interactive trainings that engage the nuts and bolts of all aspects of your work from conception to implementation.
Tips for Online Proposal Submissions:
Proposals must be submitted online via the AAAM online submission portal.
Proposals must be submitted by a Current AAAM Member.
Session Organizers must input a User ID (email) and self-selected Password for use when submitting proposals on the AAAM website.
Both the user ID and Password should be retained in a safe place for future reference.
All required fields must be filled in order for the online application to be submitted.
Click the Register button to begin your session proposal online application.
Deadline for Session Proposals: February 10, 2025 (11:59 pm PST)
***PLEASE NOTE:
AAAM DOES NOT PAY TRAVELING EXPENSES OR AN HONORARIUM FOR PANELISTS.
We look forward to your contributions to this powerful gathering!
