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 First Friday Forum Series
Friday, November 6th, 2026
12:00-1:00pm CT
Dr. Jay P. Childers, Editor of Rhetoric & Public Affairs
Dr. Casey Kelly, Editor of Quarterly Journal of Speech
Dr. Jenny Rice, Editor of Rhetoric Society Quarterly
Dr. Ryan Neville-Shepard, Editor of Communication and Democracy
At the November 6 First Friday Forum, editors from major journals in rhetorical studies will come together to consider the place of historical scholarship within the broader discipline. This conversation will explore how different journals approach rhetorical-historical research, what makes historical arguments compelling to broader disciplinary audiences, and how historical inquiry contributes to theoretical, critical, and methodological conversations in rhetorical studies. Panelists will reflect on the opportunities and challenges of publishing rhetorical history across the discipline, consider emerging directions for historical scholarship, and offer insights for scholars seeking to position their work for publication.
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 2026 “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 2, November 6, and December 4, 2026 from 12:00-1:00pm Central Time via Zoom.
Please direct any questions to ASHR Special Programs Coordinator Dr. Kristen Einertson (eine4053@stthomas.edu).
