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Buffalo Savings BankThe largest numbers came from Germany, Ireland,Italy, Poland, Russia, and Puerto Rico. Buffalo’s AfricanAmerican population, small but influential throughoutthe 19th century, greatly expanded during the GreatMigration of the early 20th century.Drew BrownPrior to the Civil War, Buffalo served as a gateway forthose seeking freedom along the Underground Railroad.It later became fertile ground for Civil Rights activists,specifically Mary Burnett Talbert. From the MichiganStreet Baptist Church to legendary jazz history atthe Colored Musicians Club and Museum, Buffalo’sAfrican American heritage runs deep. The Niagara FallsUnderground Railroad Heritage Center, located justnorth of Buffalo, shares authentic stories of freedomseekers at what was once their final stop before crossinginto Canada.more workers to the city. Pioneering aviation advancesoccurred in Buffalo at this time. The city reached its peakin 1950 with a population of 580,000.The opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 divertedmost of Buffalo’s Great Lakes commerce to other portcities. Grain elevators, mills, factories, and railroads fellidle and were abandoned. Rapid postwar suburbanexpansion further dispersed the city’s population. TheCounty of Erie’s population peaked at 1,113,000 in 1970and then began declining as well.Old Fort NiagaraBethlehem Steel in Lackawanna, one of the region’slargest employers, closed down nearly all productionin 1982. Economic and population decline accelerated,launching years of disinvestment and popular culturederision.Rhea AnnaAn activist historic preservation movement stemmedthe tide of urban demolition and destruction, settingthe stage for adaptive reuse and architectural tourism aseconomic drivers. Banking, healthcare, higher education,light manufacturing, and cross-border trade with Canadanow fuel the economy. Investment in the urban core hasreturned hundreds of derelict properties to the tax rolls.Population loss continues with an estimated 2019 countof 255,000 in the City of Buffalo, but new waves ofrefugees and immigrants are repopulating and revivingstruggling neighborhoods bringing fresh energy andhope to the City of Good Neighbors.Nancy J ParisiIn addition to the road to freedom, Niagara Falls becamethe birthplace of mass hydropower generation, enablinglong-distance transmission of electricity to Buffalo.When Buffalo organized the Pan-American Expositionin 1901, one of its attractions was the first large-scaleand decorative use of exterior electric lighting. Buffaloreached the pinnacle of its wealth and power at thistime, becoming the 8th largest city in the US in 1900.This was also when Buffalo made critical ProgressiveEra commitments to education, charities, civic andcultural institutions, urban beautification, and prestigiousarchitecture.The Pan-American Exposition was also where PresidentMcKinley met an assassin’s bullet. During the week thatMcKinley lingered and then died, Buffalo served as theheadquarters of the Executive Branch and the site whereTheodore Roosevelt took the oath of office.Buffalo’s economic and population expansioncontinued in the early 20th century. Extensive defensemanufacturing contracts during World War II drew evenTheodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site10 Right Here, Right Now: The Power of Place aaslh.org/annualconference

BITS ABOUT BUFFALO1Why Attendthe AASLHConference?Buffalo’s Turkey Trot is the longest continually runningfootrace in America, starting in 1896, inspiring similarraces all around the country. C ATCH UP withMillionaires Row on Delaware Ave. got its name from the2 huge number of millionaires living on the street in theearly 1900s, when Buffalo had more millionaires per capitathan any other city in the United States.hear about what isnew in the publichistory field as wethink about a postpandemic world.3Chicago is the only city inthe country that can claimthey have more Frank LloydWright buildings than Buffalo.Drew BrownMartin House5COLLEAGUES and C HOOSE fromMORE than 60SESSIONS thatDue to state laws, a fine of4 25 can be issued forflirting in public.will engage youin developing,delivering, andconnecting tohistory and place.Anchor Bar in Buffalo was home to the original buffalowing, a popular dish now found across the entirecountry.6Spittoons are required by law in everyBuffalo building. C ELEBRATE ourACHIEVEMENTSDrew Brown7Buffalo Wings9as a field and gainthe courage tobe creative andexperimental inyour work.The Guaranty Building was one of the first buildings inthe world to use steel supports, also making it one of thefirst skyscraper.Annie Edson Taylor becamethe first person to go over theNiagara Falls in a barrel andsurvive to tell the tale in 1901.10 E XPLORE theEXHIBIT HALL tofind the newestproducts andservices thatdirectly improvethe way historyprofessionalsoperate.Annie Edson TaylorBuffalo was the first Americancity to have streetlights in 1901.11Ironically, given theirreputation for long winters,the air conditioner was inventedin Buffalo in 1902 by WillisCarrier.aaslh.org/annualconference H AVE FUN and getWikimedia Commons8Famous people from Buffalo: RobGronkowski, Rick James, ChristineBaranski, Kyle Chandler, Orel Hershiser,Millard Filmore, Grover Cleveland, BeverlyJohnson, and Shirley Chisolm.to know BUFFALOand its rich history.Right Here, Right Now: The Power of Place 11

WHAT’S NEW IN 2022?Our New Conference FormatStarting with last year’s annual conference in LittleRock, AASLH began an experiment to craft amore personal, retreat-like conference. For 2022,we encourage each person to step beyond the observermode of being an audience member or attendee andto use this chance to really engage with colleaguesfrom across the country. This new, more participatoryventure in Buffalo complements the AASLH OnlineConference, which will take place November 1-4and allow hundreds of history professionals to sharestories, strategies, and expertise virtually.We encourage your full participation in the Buffalosessions, workshops, and tours outlined in this program and hope you will try the in-depth discussions,hands-on experiences, and social events we haveplanned. Each session type is categorized so that youcan see the level of participation it involves. We havecreated more plenary sessions for this onsite conference, bringing everyone together for a shared experience. We also encourage you to visit history institutionsand cultural sites in the area and to participate inworkshops and tours that accentuate the history, culture, and sense of place of this unique city. In addition,we have placed throughout the program times whenthere will be an opportunity to get out and explore onyour own or in an informal group. Program and HostCommittee members and the AASLH staff have strivento make this conference unique to Buffalo and to thetheme, Right Here, Right Now: The Power of Place.Time for Networking andExploring BuffaloWith our new schedule, there is even more time tonetwork with your colleagues, meet people newto AASLH, and see our host city. Events include: Charettes and Working Group SessionsCreated around topics facing historyorganizations in 2022, these sessions give theaudience a chance to talk about importantissues and share ideas and solutions. Breaks in the Exhibit HallGrab some coffee or soda and a snack and seewhat’s new with our exhibitors and sponsors. Drop-In ToursThese informal tours will give attendees achance to meet up with new colleagues and oldfriends to visit local sites in downtown Buffalo(admission and transportation not included). Meet and EatSign up in advance to join colleagues forlunch at a nearby restaurant (food, drink, andtransportation not included). Happy HoursJoin some of AASLH’s Affinity Communities at anearby bar to meet new colleagues and network(admission and transportation not included).Plenary Session Meal This year, our plenary session on Friday, September 16 from12:15–2 pm will include a meal as part of your conference registration.Learning Circles Pilot ProgramThis year, AASLH is piloting a new program to help you network and get more out of your conferenceexperience.Learning Circles will convene cohorts of six peers several times throughout the conference, each groupfacilitated by a seasoned history professional. The group will meet on Thursday morning to create individuallearning plans for the conference. They will meet on Thursday afternoon, Friday lunch, and Saturday morningto share observations, discuss new ideas or lessons learned in sessions, and develop a map on how to actupon the ideas learned during the conference when they return home.You can register to participate in a Learning Circle as you register for the conference. There is no additionalcost. Space is limited to four groups, so don’t wait if you are interested, especially if you are a newprofessional or first-time attendee. Email hawkins@aaslh.org if you have questions about this program.12 Right Here, Right Now: The Power of Place aaslh.org/annualconference

SSESSION FORMATSince the Program Committee is continuing to experiment with the programming for the AASLH Conference,the format of each session is listed below. This will help you decide what type of session you prefer to attendduring the conference. The session formats are:CharetteA charette is a collaborative session in which a group comes together to draft a solutionto a particular problem or expand on an idea. This session is designed as a workingsession that creates an output. The organizer decides the topic, but the participantssupply most of the discussion.ConversationProvocationAudience members engage in discussion/debate. One facilitator poses a predeterminedquestion and encourages attendees to participate. The facilitator manages thediscussion as a guide on the side, not a sage on the stage.ExperientialDo a program—don’t just hear about it. Be immersed in a playful (or dark) experience.Attendees will spend time doing something, not just talking.Idea StudioInformed and inspired by a prompt or topic area, attendees will work togetherinteractively to develop new ideas and creative solutions for their sites, in theircommunities, or in the field at large.LightningRoundA moderator selects a particular theme and recruits speakers who can teach somethingspecific to the audience in ten minutes or less.Nuts and BoltsThis session type focuses on a particular skill that is needed in the history profession. Itshould be specific enough that attendees leave with a practical skill, but flexible enoughthat any size museum can adapt it for their needs. It is not designed to be a “show andtell”, but a “show and how to.”RoundtableOne chair and up to three panelists examine complex historical or professional issues indiscussion before an audience. Ample time will be allowed for audience nference This session involves an in-depth discussion on an issue in the field. A small groupof people will have prepared ahead of time for a discussion on the topic. Audiencemembers can listen to the conversation or participate if they want. There will be anoutcome for the session such as an article or blog post.These long-form, in-depth sessions are designed to teach special skills in a small groupsetting and may occur on or off-site. Participants in workshop sessions pay fees whichcontribute to the conference budget. Transportation will be provided for off-siteworkshops.Right Here, Right Now: The Power of Place 13

(NEEDING IDEAS ON)WHAT IS FOR YOU IN 2022?Sometimes it is hard to know what to register for or plan to attend at a national conference. You will find somesuggestions from the Program Committee below. More suggested tracks will be shared on the AASLH blogduring the weeks leading up to the conference.First Time Attendee250th PlanningThur9/152 pm8:30amFri9/1611 am2:15pm Centering Authentic IndigenousVoices and History in Planningand Programming for the 250thCommemorationWed9/14 America250 Speed DatingThur9/15 Revolutionary Narratives: NewApproaches for an Expansive 250thCommemoration Keeping it Local: Bringing theRevolution to Your NeighborhoodFri9/165:30pm10 am First Time Attendee and NewMember Networking Reception11 am General Session: Rick Hill5:30pm Diversity and Inclusion Mixer8:30am STEPS Morning Meet UP Evening Events (see page 21 forschedule)CivicsThur9/158:30am8:30amFri9/1611 am9 amSat9/1710:15am Power, Perspectives, and Place:Deliberating Difficult HistoricDecisions Two-For-One! Civic ProgrammingWorking Group: Made By Us andEducating for American Democracy Healing the Open Wound:Collaborations Across Mexican andCanadian BordersLeadershipThur9/15Fri9/16 General Session: Voices Shared, ADialogue with The Honorable CrosbyKemper Promoting Civic Behavior in YourCommunitySat9/178:30am Arts in Action: Adaptive Leadershipand Community Conversations2 pm Skills and Strategies for LeadingThrough a Crisis8:30am Brainwriting Solutions to Pandemic& Previous Poor Quality of WorkingLives11 am Shifting Our Thoughts on EarnedRevenue2:15pm Transience and Turnover: Issues inMuseum Labor10:15am Boomer Legacies: Getting Startedwith Planned GivingCollectionsThur9/152 pm Institutional Genealogy in Practice Transforming Assessments intoPractical Strategies and ActionsFri9/168:30am C heck Out and Check in! EngagingPrimary Source Literacy through aSemi-Virtual Game Experience What Are We Collecting Now?Sat9/1710:15am W e Don’t Know What CollectionsCost: Let’s Find OutSmall MuseumThur9/15Fri9/16Sat9/1714 Right Here, Right Now: The Power of Place History Leadership Insitute Reception8:30am Creating Community Connections:Small Museums Using SmithsonianExhibition Starter-Kits2 pm Transforming Assessments intoPractical Strategies and Actions8:30am The Peril to Places: EnvironmentalDisasters and Historic Sites11 am FSA Tips: Community BasedExhibition and Program Design2:15pm Small Museums Affinity CommunityCommittee Meeting10:15am Boomer Legacies: Getting Startedwith Planned Givingaaslh.org/annualconference

GENERAL SESSIONSThursday,September 1511 am–12:15 pmKeynote SessionRick Hill is a citizenof the Beaver Clan ofthe Tuscarora Nation ofthe Haudenosaunee atGrand River. He holds a Master’s degree in AmericanStudies from the State University of New York atBuffalo. He is the former Assistant Director for PublicPrograms, National Museum of the American Indian,Smithsonian Institution; Museum Director, Instituteof American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM; and AssistantProfessor, Native American Studies, SUNY Buffalo.Formerly, he served as Senior Project Coordinator ofthe Deyohahá:ge: Indigenous Knowledge Centre atSix Nations Polytechnic, Ohsweken, Ontario. He iscurrently working with a group of historians on a bookon the history and legacy of the Mohawk Institute, theoldest Indian residential school in Canada. He is theIndigenous Innovation Specialist at Mohawk Collegein Hamilton and serves as a Cultural Advisor to FNTI,Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. He is the father of eightdaughters.4:15–5:30 pmHistorical Thinking Under Fire Town HallIn the past three years, the history field hasexperienced many ups and downs. The most serioushas been the rise of “divisive concepts” legislationlimiting the teaching of history that might make astudent feel uncomfortable. These concepts includeslavery, civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ history,and more leaving our field in a difficult place. Joinin a discussion about what the history field can doto combat these restrictions, support teachers, andcontinue to champion diverse history at all levels ofeducation.aaslh.org/annualconference Friday, September 1612:30–2 pmPlenary SessionErasure of History & Power of Place:A ConversationHear from leaders in the preservation communityworking to preserve and interpret places that have—either intentionally or unintentionally—been destroyedor “let go.” Panelists will address the question: Whodecides what places get preserved in spaces that areincreasingly contested? Join panelists Eola Dance,National Park Service Superintendent at Fort Monroe,Jessie Fisher, Executive Director at PreservationBuffalo, and Brent Leggs, Executive Director, AfricanAmerican Cultural Heritage Action Fund and SeniorVice President, National Trust for Historic Preservation,for this session moderated by Estevan Rael-Gálvez,Principal of Creative Strategies 360 and formerNew Mexico State Historian. Lunch is included,preregistration required.Saturday, September 179–10:15 amVoices Shared: A Dialogue with TheHonorable Crosby KemperThe Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)will present a special dialogue led by IMLS DirectorCrosby Kemper III, drawing from dedicated study ofAmerican history, civics, and a commitment to civildiscourse. With participation by noted scholars suchas Jeff Rosen of the Constitution Center, this dialoguewill explore the impact of social media, polling, andother technological and political forces that haveshaped our knowledge of America’s history to addressthe fundamental question of how we move forwardtogether as a nation in the face of these challengingdynamics. This presentation is an official activity ofthe IMLS America250: All People, All Places, All Storiesinitiative.Right Here, Right Now: The Power of Place 15

TOURSThese events are not included in theAnnual Conference registration feeand require preregistration.See the registration form for details.BuffaloCity HallEric FrickBuffaloHeritageCarouselWednesday, September 14JELL-O Gallery Museum and

us think of place. And this year's conference theme, Right Here, Right Now: The Power of Place, brings added focus to how we experience Buffalo and western New York, how we approach history there and in general, and how we engage in the practices of public history and museums, very much the products of their places. The conference theme this