Conferences
The Society of Nineteenth Century Historians will host the 34th annual Sachsman Symposium on the 19th Century Press Nov. 12-14, 2026, in partnership with the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University.
Save the Date!
34th Annual Sachsman Symposium on the 19th Century Press | November 12–14, 2026 | Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
2026 Call For Papers
The Society of Nineteenth Century Historians invites panel and paper submissions dealing with any topic related to the media of the 19th century. Of particular interest this year 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.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 24, 2026. Please send your paper or a panel proposal as a Word attachment to 19th CenturyHistorians@gmail.com. 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.
The Society of Nineteenth Century Historians hosted the 33rd Annual Sachsman Symposium on the Nineteenth Century Press November 13-15, 2025, at Augusta University.
The conference featured paper presentations, panel discussions, and ongoing collaborative projects with scholars from around the world.
Conference Venue
The symposium is hosted at historic Augusta University in its Jaguar Student Activities Center on the Summerville Campus. Founded in 1828, the university has had a central role in the history of medicine, the history of Augusta and the Civil War.
Conference Hotel
Join us at Augusta’s Partridge Inn, just minutes from the Augusta University campus. Dating to 1836, this historic property features elegant verandas and balconies, classic decor, and an on-site restaurant serving contemporary Southern cuisine.
A block of rooms will be available to Symposium attendees. Please check this site for reservation information.
The Partridge Inn, 2110 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904, USA • Telephone: 706.737.8888 • Website: PartridgeInn.com
Home to the annual Masters Tournament since 1934, Augusta offers many other quality accommodations.
Photo: Simon Vodrey
2024 Symposium Highlights
Scholars from across the continent participated in the 33rd annual symposium, held Nov. 7-9, 2024, at Augusta University. Download the program.
Papers and Panels
The conference attracted contributions from coast to coast and as far away as Canada. Presenters and panelists joined in the hybrid format for a full three-day schedule that featured more than a dozen papers and six panels from scholars contributing in person and via Zoom.
Recognition for Excellence
The Society of Nineteenth Century Historians recognized outstanding research by scholars at the 2024 symposium. Budding journalism historians were recognized with the inaugural Sachsman Family Award for Student Achievement. Visit our Awards page.
Inaugural Hazel Dicken
Garcia Distinguished Lecture
Professors Vernon Burton and Harold Holzer gave the inaugural Hazel Dicken-Garcia Distinguished Lectures in 2024. The lecture series honors the work and legacy of press historian Hazel Dicken-Garcia by inviting distinguished scholars to present their work at the annual symposium.
Tour of Historic Augusta
University Campus
Conference attendees were treated to a tour of the many points of interest including the Guard House Museum led by Museum Director, Stacey Thompson.
2023 Symposium Highlights
2023 marked the first year at the symposium’s new home, Augusta University, where media historians from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. convened Nov. 2-4, 2023, for the 32nd annual conference. Download the program.
Awards
The Society of Nineteenth Century Historians recognized outstanding research by scholars at the 2024 symposium. Budding journalism historians were recognized with the inaugural Sachsman Family Award for Student Achievement.
Historic Redcliffe Plantation
A tour of historic Redcliffe Plantation in Beech Island, S.C., capped off the 32nd annual conference. A property of South Carolina State Parks, the plantation was home to generations of the James Henry Hammond family and many generations of enslaved people.
Symposium Archives
2023 SYMPOSIUM
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2022 SYMPOSIUM
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2021 SYMPOSIUM
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2020 SYMPOSIUM
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2019 SYMPOSIUM
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2018 SYMPOSIUM
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2017 SYMPOSIUM
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2016 SYMPOSIUM
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2015 SYMPOSIUM
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Contact Us
Have questions about membership or volunteer opportunities?
📧 Email us at: 19thcenturyhistorians@gmail.com