Data, Equity, and the History Workforce: An AASLH Virtual Summit

Join us for a two-day summit exploring new data about the history workforce and how we can use it to create a stronger, more equitable field. 

In 2025, AASLH conducted the National Survey of History Practitioners, a research effort to understand who works in the public history field, how they're paid, and how they feel about their work. After gathering nearly 4,000 responses from practitioners at museums, historical societies, historic sites, government agencies, and beyond, this data offers crucial insights into both the strengths and vulnerabilities of our field. The findings reveal significant challenges related to equity, sustainability, and career advancement, but also highlight opportunities to strengthen the profession and better support those who dedicate their lives to history.  

This two-day virtual summit will bring practitioners, leaders, and stakeholders together to reflect on the survey results and chart a path forward. Through keynote discussions, thematic panels, and small-group conversations, participants will explore what the data mean for their own careers and institutions, consider strategies to address systemic challenges, and identify ways the field can build a more inclusive, resilient workforce. The summit aims to transform research into action, sparking conversations and collaborations that will help us build a stronger, more sustainable field. 

Learning Objectives  

Attendees at the virtual summit will . . .  

• Gain a shared understanding of the current state of the public history workforce, including trends across age, gender, and race/ethnicity.  

• Discuss how this new workforce data can inform the field’s response to pay inequity, burnout, diversity, and other persistent challenges to recruiting, retaining, and supporting public history practitioners.  

• Feel inspired to explore new strategies, opportunities, and actions that can support more accessible pathways into and through the field, cultivate more inclusive workplaces, and better position history organizations to represent the communities they serve. 

Intended Audience 

• Staff and volunteers at history organizations  

• Institutional leaders and HR professionals

• Thought leaders, researchers, funders, and stakeholders interested in cultural sector work 

• Emerging professionals, graduate students, and graduate program directors 

Pricing  

• Members: $65  

• Nonmembers: $85  

• Student Members: $50  

• Those who are under- or unemployed and nonmember students can receive 20% off with code WORKFORCE20

Schedule of Events 

DAY 1 (Tuesday, March 17. 12:00 P.M. ET to 4:05 P.M. ET)  

KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE:   THE STATE OF THE PUBLIC HISTORY WORKFORCE (12:00 to 1:30) 

This session will provide the foundation for the Summit, sharing research highlights, discussing their implications, and considering how the data can be used to advance the field. Speakers to come.

PANELS 

Following the keynote roundtable, each of the panels will include a data overview; an example from an institution already addressing a related issue; and a breakout conversation where attendees can discuss their reactions and ideas about possible solutions. 

PANEL 1: BURNOUT AND DISSATISFACTION (1:45 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.)  

PANEL 2: GENDER EQUITY (3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.)   

DAY 2 – Wednesday, March 18 (1 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. ET)  

PANEL 3: PAY EQUITY (1 P.M. – 2 P.M. ET)  

PANEL 4: RACE, ETHNICITY, AND INCLUSION (2:15 P.M. – 3:15 P.M)  

CLOSING CONVERSATION (3:30–4:00)  

This event is made possible with support from the Kentucky Historical Society, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Wisconsin Historical Society. 

Additional support was provided by the Montana Historical Society, Rhode Island Historical Society, and Utah Historical Society. 

The views expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsoring organizations.

How to Register for this Event

Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.