Welcome to ASHR

The American Society for the History of Rhetoric (ASHR) offers rhetoricians multiple points of entry and enthusiasm. It is fitting that the word “society” should lead this welcome, since rhetoricians understand better than most the importance of gathering with others for a common purpose; moreover, being a rhetorician today (as in plenty of other days) can be a dispiriting business, and sociality helps. The common purpose this particular society sustains is the study of rhetoric as a historically situated cultural practice. Accordingly, ASHR’s programming—from panels organized for its annual NCA unit, to papers given at its biennial symposia, to articles published in its journal—promotes discussion about strains and domains of rhetoric in all historical periods, cultural contexts, and theoretical guises.

Upcoming Events

ASHR’s Next First Friday Forum: March 7, 2025

We are excited to announce a new virtual seminar series for scholars interested in the history of rhetoric, broadly defined. Inspired by the classical conception of the forum as an intellectual gathering place, the “First Friday Forum” series will promote educational programming, professional development, and an inclusive, collaborative virtual community. It is our hope that this virtual space will foster dynamic, cross-disciplinary scholarly engagement for those interested in reexamining and reimagining the various histories of rhetoric across all periods, languages, cultures, and modes of performance.

The Spring 2025 “First Friday Forum” series will focus on key questions related to the research and teaching of the history of rhetoric / rhetorical history. These virtual gatherings will take place on February 7, March 7, April 4, and May 2, 2025 from 12:00-1:00pm Central Time via Zoom.

Please direct any questions to ASHR Vice President Dr. Allison Prasch (aprasch@wisc.edu) or ASHR Special Programs Coordinator Dr. Kristen Einertson (carl4818@umn.edu).

Friday, March 7 Panel Discussion: “Tips & Tricks for Navigating the Archive/s”

Panelists will share tips & tricks for identifying online and brick-and-mortar archives related to a research topic/project, strategies for navigating finding aids and working with archivists, and resources for organizing, notating, and deciphering archival finds. We will leave ample time for forum participants to ask questions and discuss similar questions in relation to their own work.Additional details + panelist info coming soon!

Join this inaugural “First Friday Forum” gathering via this Zoom link. ASHR membership is not required to attend—all are welcome!

NCA 2025 & RSA 2026

We look forward to featuring ASHR-specific programming at the 111th National Communication Association annual conference in Denver (November 20-23, 2025) and planning for the ASHR Symposium to be held just prior to the Rhetoric Society of America 2026 conference in Portland (May 21-22, 2026).