By Jinene Foye, Project Archivist, South Carolina Historical Society, Charleston, SC
Attending the AASLH Joint Annual Conference was both professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable. As an MLIS student and project archivist, I was excited to be surrounded by people who share a passion for history, archives, museums, and preservation. The conference offered valuable learning opportunities, but what stood out most to me were the connections I made and the experiences I had outside the formal sessions.
One of the highlights of the conference was participating in the Speed Networking Event. Meeting so many professionals in a short amount of time was both energizing and inspiring. I spoke with archivists, museum professionals, historians, students, and other public history practitioners from across the country. These conversations allowed me to learn about different career paths, projects, and institutions while expanding my professional network. It was encouraging to meet individuals who were willing to share advice and insights about working in the field.
Another highlight was the Silent Auction. Not only was it exciting to participate, but I was fortunate enough to win three books that I am eager to read. My winnings included Harriet Tubman: Toward Freedom, All That She Carried by Tiya Miles, and The Spectacular Sisterhood of Superwomen by Hope Nicholson. As someone who enjoys learning through both historical scholarship and storytelling, I am looking forward to adding these titles to my personal library and exploring the perspectives they offer.
I also appreciated how accessible the conference was. Everything was within walking distance, which made navigating the event simple and enjoyable. Whether heading to sessions, networking events, restaurants, or conference activities, I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. The walkable setting created a sense of community and made it easy to continue conversations with fellow attendees throughout the week.
While my overall experience was extremely positive, I did have a couple of regrets. Unfortunately, I missed the New Professional & Student Social. As someone still early in my archives career, I think this would have been a wonderful opportunity to connect with other students and emerging professionals. It is definitely an event I plan to attend next year.
My biggest regret, however, was not signing up for the Gilded Age Tour. After hearing other attendees discuss their experiences, it sounded like a fascinating way to learn more about the local history while exploring the city. If I attend another AASLH conference in the future, I will make sure to register for tours and special events as early as possible.
Overall, the conference exceeded my expectations. I left with new professional connections, new books to read, and a renewed enthusiasm for archival and public history work. Most importantly, the experience reminded me that some of the most valuable conference moments happen through conversations, networking, and shared experiences with colleagues. I am already looking forward to next year’s conference.
