We are writing about important information regarding the planning of the 2021 OAH Annual Meeting. We looked forward to bringing practitioners of American history together to share scholarship and camaraderie at a full in-person conference in Chicago, IL, April 15‒18, 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic, and city and state-wide restrictions have made it necessary for us to cancel the in-person conference and to move to a new, virtual conference in a safe and certain online format. The health, safety, and well-being of our attendees, participants, partners, and employees is paramount.

Though a virtual conference was not the initial format planned for the 2021 OAH Annual Meeting, we are excited to create and build an innovative new channel for circulating American history and connecting American historians. This is a moment when we can collaborate to develop the online interaction that firmly grounds the organization for all current and future American historians.

Over the last several years we have worked to diversify the OAH Annual Meeting and provide inclusive space for all American historians. This new opportunity for interaction provides all American historians, regardless of background, career path and level, location, and resources to participate in the scholarship, community, and networking that those attending the in-person meeting have enjoyed.

The virtual venue will eradicate the dreaded conflicting sessions, allowing you to see as much content as you desire‒for up to 30 days after the live event! With over 150 sessions and workshops, most attendees only get to attend a handful of sessions. With the virtual conference attendees will be able to watch as many as they like. Live sessions will be available on-demand after they broadcast.

We recognize that community engagement is a top reason American historians attend the OAH Annual Meeting, so we were deliberate in selecting an online venue that made this interaction easy! Just like the in-person conference, if you see someone sharing your virtual space, you can chat with them publicly or invite them to a one-on-one video chat. You also have the option to search for people you know and send them a message--meet up for a coffee or plan to have lunch!

The virtual conference includes a fully interactive exhibit hall where attendees will be able to visit, explore, and talk live with their favorite publishers and service providers. Schedule meetings, purchase books, and browse through the many offerings...oh and did we mention that you can start up conversations with anyone you bump into at the booth? Well, you can!