The Society of Nineteenth Century Historians, in partnership with the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University, presents the 34th Annual Sachsman Symposium on the 19th Century Press.
The Society invites panel and paper submissions dealing with any topic related to the media of the 19th century. Of particular interest are studies related to 19th century media law and ethics; international and domestic coverage of the American Civil War; and the 19th century minority and foreign language press. Given the fact that 2026 is the 250th birthday of the United States of America, this year’s symposium welcomes submissions that address the theme of the “Spirit of ’76” and how the media of the time developed and reported stories relating to the young nation’s Declaration of Independence, adoption of the Constitution, and observance of the centennial celebration of the United States itself in both the American and international press. Other recent topics include studies of political and sports reporting, reporting on slavery and abolition, the illustrated press, and reporting on the arts.
SUBMISSION: Please send to 19thCenturyHistorians@gmail.com your paper or a panel proposal as a Word attachment by August 24, 2026. Students are encouraged to submit their research work.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Faculty papers should be at least 10 pages and student papers should be at least 7 pages. All papers should have a 200-300-word abstract and be no longer than 25 pages.
- Pre-formed panel proposals should include a panel title and abstract, and the names, contact information, and presentation title for each presenter.
- Selected papers and panels must be presented during the conference on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, November 12-14, 2026.
- It is not necessary to be a member of the Society to submit a paper or panel for consideration.
LOCATION: The conference takes place at Augusta University. We strongly encourage on-site participation to take advantage of collegial, collaborative scholarship and discussion, public history experiences, and networking opportunities. However, a Zoom option is available upon request.
RECOGNITION: Top papers will be recognized. The outstanding student paper will be honored with the Sachsman Family Award for excellence in student research. Financial assistance may be available for in-person presentations by undergraduate and graduate students thanks to the Schmitt Family Fund, which is dedicated to encouraging student research.
PUBLICATIONS: In addition to dozens of collaborative and independent publications by participating researchers, the Symposium—formerly hosted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the West Chair of Excellence in Communications and Public Affairs, the late Dr. David Sachsman—has produced nine books with subjects including The Civil War and the Press; Memory and Myth: The Civil War in Fiction and Film; Words at War: The Civil War and American Journalism; Seeking a Voice: Images of Race and Gender in the 19th Century Press; Sensationalism: Murder, Mayhem, Mudslinging, Scandals, and Disasters in 19th-Century Reporting; A Press Divided: Newspaper Coverage of the Civil War; After the War: The Press in a Changing America, 1865–1900; The Antebellum Press: Setting the Stage for Civil War; and The Civil War Soldier and the Press.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact 19thCenturyHistorians@gmail.com or visit 19thcenturyhistorians.org for the latest information on the Society, links to publications, upcoming book projects, and other news.