The LBJ Presidential Library and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library are inviting emerging scholars to submit a presentation abstract to be a featured speaker during the National Archives & Records Administration’s second annual virtual Vietnam War Symposium, held on September 8 – 9, 2026.
For the purposes of these submissions, the term emerging scholars includes, but is not strictly limited to: PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty.
The 2026 Emerging Scholars: Vietnam theme is “The Many Voices of War.”
The Vietnam War lasted almost 20 years, with the conflict drawing in soldiers and civilians, young and old, from many nations and backgrounds. The committee is looking to structure a symposium that shows the many facets of the wartime experience. Delving into the human stories of the war, applicants are encouraged to use sources such as National Archives records or oral histories to supplement their research.
This symposium seeks to explore stories of the war not related to combat strategy and tactics. Our goal is to enhance the future of Vietnam War scholarship by examining the human experience and showcasing new and emerging scholars. Presentations might examine, for example, the everyday realities of service in Vietnam, relations between Americans and Vietnamese, veterans’ experiences after returning from Vietnam, and the literature, film, and music of the war
Each scholars’ virtual program is scheduled for one hour. The guest speaker will present their topic for approximately 40 minutes, allowing time for audience participation and questions at the end. Each program also includes a Scholar Spotlight where we get to know a little bit more about each of the up-and-coming scholars.
Submission packets should include the presentation abstract, applicant contact information, education status, and academic goals summary. Email submission packets to the National Archives care of richard.weld@nara.gov with the subject line “Vietnam Symposium” no later than May 29, 2026. Selected participants will be notified by July 4, 2026, and will receive a modest honorarium for their participation.