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

2026 ASHR Symposium at RSA

We are accepting proposals for the 2026 ASHR Symposium to be held just prior to the Rhetoric Society of America conference in Portland, Oregon (May 21-22, 2026). The 2026 ASHR Symposium theme, “Rhetorical History’s Past, Present, and Future,” invites scholars to recognize this legacy and to reflect on the theories, methods, and critical practices that define its scope and purpose. Please consider submitting a proposal.

NCA 2025

We look forward to ASHR programming at the 111th National Communication Association annual conference in Denver (November 20-23, 2025).

First Friday Forums Fall 2025

  • Friday, October 3 @ 12pm CT: “What I Wish I’d Known: Early Career Paths in the History of Rhetoric”
  • Friday, November 7 @ 12pm CT: “Behind the Pages: The Journal for the History of Rhetoric Then and Now”
  • Friday, December 5 @ 12pm CT: “Sharing a Voice: The Promises and Challenges of Co-Authoring in Rhetoric”

About the ASHR First Friday Forum Series: Inspired by the classical conception of the forum as an intellectual gathering place, ASHR’s “First Friday Forum” series promotes 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 Fall 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 October 3, November 7, and December 5, 2025, from 12:00-1:00pm Central Time via Zoom.

Please direct any questions to ASHR Special Programs Coordinator Dr. Kristen Einertson (eine4053@stthomas.edu).