Architectural and art historians, architects, preservationists and museum professionals from around the world will meet in Providence, R.I., April 24–28, 2019, for the 72nd Annual International Conference of the Society of Architectural Historians. Over 600 SAH members will convene at the Rhode Island Convention Center to share new research on the history of the built environment and address current issues in the field in paper sessions, roundtables, workshops, and panel discussions.

The local community is invited to participate in the conference through architecture tours and public events that include a workshop on place-based storytelling, a free seminar on urban renewal and infrastructure, and a closing night reception at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Conference attendees and the public will have the opportunity to experience the rich architectural heritage of Providence through 26 tours that explore College Hill and Brown University, local histories of LGBTQ and African-American communities, the work of H. H. Richardson and Ira Rakatansky, vernacular and industrial architecture, and the nearby cities of Newport and Bristol.

Local artist Barnaby Evans, founder of WaterFire Providence, will deliver the conference’s Introductory Address, and distinguished architectural historian Joan Ockman will give the inaugural Eduard F. Sekler Talk, “On the Future History of Modern Architecture.” The conference’s thirty-eight paper sessions will cover a wide array of topics and time periods and include “Agora to WaterFire: Landscape Histories in the Public Realm” and “Coastal Trade, World Trade: The Port Cities of Narragansett Bay.” Following a reception at the Providence Arts Club, the Society will recognize the achievements of its members and present the SAH Publication Awards and the SAH Award for Film and Video during its annual awards ceremony at First Baptist Church.

Visit sah.org/2019 to register and to view the full conference program. Early registration is open through February 19. Registration for tours and events will open to the public on February 20.