The following research roundtables will be held from 3:00 – 4:30pm on Thursday, May 21st during the ASHR Symposium at RSA in Portland, OR. We request that participants register their interest in one of the following roundtables at time of registration for the ASHR Symposium. Please see the full schedule here.
Historical Approaches to Political and Social Movements (Joe Izaguirre)
This roundtable promises to be a theoretically rich yet practically grounded conversation about how researchers might study political and social movements as rhetorical histories. We’ll think together about methods, methodologies, and publishing original research that is rhetorically and historically oriented. Conversation topics will also include the contributions of writing rhetorical histories of movements, both familiar and new
Public History and Public Memory (Ariel Seay-Howard)
This roundtable invites participants to engage in critical reflection on the dynamic relationship between history and memory. Together, we will examine the distinct yet interconnected practices that shape how the past is understood, remembered, and interpreted. Through this exploration, participants will consider how these frameworks inform conversations about both historical and contemporary issues, particularly those related to identity, contested or difficult histories, and processes of healing.
Building Sustainable Writing Practices for Summer 2026 and Beyond (Wallace Golding and Allyson Gross)
Specifically designed for junior faculty and graduate students, this informal roundtable discussion focuses on strategies for building writing momentum for this summer and long after. Topics may include developing writing goals and routines, building writing communities, defining “sustainable” writing practices, navigating burnout, and more. We welcome any and all perspectives to our discussion and are eager to learn from your experiences, too!
Archival Tips and Tricks (Derek Handley and Allison Prasch)
This roundtable provides a space for participants to learn various tips and tricks related to archival research. Specifically, we will discuss how to prepare for an archival visit; different types of archives (e.g., digital, church, state/county, university etc.) and the methods each require; how to track and organize archival materials; and how to use archival sources in published scholarship. Facilitators will draw on their combined 20+ years working with archival materials and also invite attendees to share their own experiences and lessons learned.
*VIRTUAL* Navigating Year One: A Virtual Roundtable for New Faculty (Jennifer Keohane and Jordan Loveridge)
Join us for an interactive discussion to help you transition from graduate student life into a faculty role. We’ll address common challenges first-year faculty may face, from balancing teaching responsibilities and research expectations to understanding departmental culture and building collegial relationships. Even if you’re not attending RSA, your ASHR colleagues are here to support you with tips about how to effectively use your summer and get ready for fall. We welcome any graduate students and faculty, especially early-career faculty, to hop on Zoom to chat. Note: This virtual roundtable will take place on Zoom from 3:00-4:30 PST, May 21st. To access the Zoom and receive information from the organizers of this roundtable, please register your participation here.