2026 Virginia Conference on Introductory History Courses

The American Historical Association will hold the second annual Virginia Conference on Introductory History Courses on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC) in Richmond. With support from New American History and Bunk History at the University of Richmond, VMHC, and other partners, this two-day, regional conference facilitates conversations among educators who teach introductory history courses, whether in secondary schools, community colleges, or four-year universities.

2026 Virginia Conference

History and social studies educators at all levels share a fundamental interest in helping our students develop knowledge and habits of mind necessary for success in the twenty-first century. Our goal is to foster a community of practice that spans the many kinds of institutions that offer introductory courses in US and world history, emphasizing the importance of a holistic view of student success across the entirety of their education.

• What skills and support do today’s students need to develop across primary, secondary, and post-secondary education?
• How can we structure courses and curricula to promote student success during the complex transition between high school and college?
• How can we teach good history that aligns with the new SOLs?
• What should college faculty know about secondary education in Virginia and incoming students’ strengths, passions, and concerns?
• How can post-secondary faculty assist our K-12 colleagues?

Registration will open soon. A full program will be available in August.