Lauren Muney will speak on a distinguished panel of practical (embodied, hands-on, phenomenological) historian-craftspeople and researchers discussing the value of technical crafts work in museums:
“Beyond the text”, Part 1- "The text is the first step not the end"
"This session, the first of two round tables, explores the conjunction of scholarly research and Public History in a revolutionary way to understand the past. In this round table, speakers from Colonial Williamsburg, William and Mary, and NIAHD, will discuss the “theory & philosophy” of Public History. The goal of the session is to examine the many ways we can expand upon the scholarly research undertaken in the academy, using it as a launching point for accessing the past through multidisciplinary techniques. Often these techniques of understanding are undocumented, therefore the past can only be accessed through embodied and phenomenological activity. The concept of material culture as an archive that can be read like text will be discussed, as well as the psycho-physical interaction of the maker. The panel will discuss how these embodied techniques of ‘knowing’ provide engagement by a wider audience, one often unable to access formal research and study. The panel will examine suggestions for how this learning can be embodied in physical action and passed on through public engagement in accessible ways."
“For 2026: Virginia’s Revolutionary Histories & Beyond”
In 2026 the United States of America will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This is an unparalleled opportunity for exploring and reflecting upon the American past, the foundation of the nation, and its legacy into the present. Complex, inspiring, and often violent, this period informs our experience as Americans today. The better we understand that past, the better we are equipped to understand ourselves, address the challenges we face, and seize opportunities for the future.
Press release:
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Aug. 28, 2024) – The Omohundro Institute of Early American History & Culture, in partnership with William & Mary and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, is pleased to announce the third conference in its highly successful five-year "For 2026" series. “Virginia’s Revolutionary Histories & Beyond” will examine the Commonwealth’s distinctive role in the American Revolution of 1776-1783 and its influence on local and global communities. The conference will run Oct. 25–26, 2024.
A preconference day of workshops and experiences for K-12 teachers and museum educators will take place on Oct. 24. “As our country’s first university, William & Mary shaped the ideals of our early republic. Today, we are united by our commitment to sustain this pluralistic democracy in the 21st century, through open debate, fierce pursuit of facts, and above all, respect for one another,” said Katherine A. Rowe, President of William & Mary. “Year three of our ‘For 2026’ series uncovers new histories of the U.S. Revolution. Along with our partners in Williamsburg, we aim to illuminate our nation’s future by expanding our understanding of its past.” “Colonial Williamsburg is uniquely positioned to bring together academic history and public history, translating the world-class work of our staff historians, curators, archaeologists and preservationists into public-facing programming that inspires people to get curious about their own history,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “As we look forward to the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, Colonial Williamsburg is honored to contribute our expertise to the ‘For 2026’ conference to make history more accessible and more relevant to an ever-widening audience.”
In the lead up to the American Semiquincentennial, the “For 2026” series explores our nation’s founding. Scholars, public historians, educators, students and community members come together for robust conversations about our shared history and the challenges our country faced then — and still faces today. “Virginia’s Revolutionary Histories & Beyond” will investigate political, intellectual and social change in the Old Dominion and how those changes impacted the nation and world. The conference showcases a mix of researcher-to-researcher panels, public audience events, roundtable discussions, site visits, workshops and plenary sessions. Scholarly daytime panels at the W&M School of Education will include a wide range of topics, such as the legacies of Williamsburg Bray School students in Revolutionary Virginia, the formation of the Virginia Gazette and “Lawyers, Guns, and Money.”
William & Mary’s Office of Strategic Cultural Partnerships is a key organizer of the conference. “Strategic Cultural Partnerships is honored to convene this broad array of individuals and organizations,” said Ann Marie Stock, presidential liaison for Strategic Cultural Partnerships. “Together we enhance the understanding of our nation’s history and generate ideas for building our collective future. Meaningful teaching and learning take place through collaboration and that is a hallmark of this notable event.