ALHFAM - Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums upcoming events

ALHFAM Regional Conference in Iceland 2026 (22 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

2026 ALHFAM International Regional Conference
in Iceland
September 23 - 26, 2026

Food for Thought: Bridging Cultures Across Time

The theme of this conference - Food for Thought: Bridging Cultures Across Time - invites us to reflect on how knowledge, traditions and skills move between communities and across generations. From farming and foodways to craft traditions and material culture, people have continually adapted inherited knowledge to new environments while maintaining connections to shared origins. This theme encourages presentations that not only inform but spark curiosity, foster conversation and inspire fresh ways of thinking about the work we do.

As we gather in Reykjavík—an exciting milestone in ALHFAM’s growing international presence—we are offered a meaningful opportunity to explore the shared threads that connect diverse cultures. Recipes travel and evolve, tools are shaped by landscape, garments adapt to available materials, and agricultural knowledge is refined in response to changing environments. Though these practices shift over time and place, their roots often remain visible. We welcome proposals that explore movement, cultural exchange, adaptation, resilience and continuity: sessions that illuminate common origins, uncover unexpected connections, and encourage dialogue across borders and disciplines. By engaging both the richness of cultural expression and the ties that unite us, we can build lasting relationships while deepening our understanding of how the past continues to shape our present.

Download the Conference Program here.

Download the Know-Before-You-Go guide here.

Candle Making at Fort Osage (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Candle Making at Fort Osage

Fort Osage National Historic Landmark
107 Osage St., Sibley MO 64088

Cost: $25

Step back in time and discover the art of candle making as it was practiced on the early American frontier. Join us at Fort Osage National Historical Landmark for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn how settlers and soldiers crafted their own sources of light using simple, time-honored techniques.

Learn more:

https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/Events-Attractions/Historic-Sites/Fort-Osage

MOMCC Fall Conference 2026 (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

MOMCC 2026 Fall Conference
Wabash & Erie Canal, Delphi, Indiana
November 5 – 7, 2026

Training Along the Towpath: Acquiring Skills and Knowledge Along the Journey

A workshop-heavy conference with workshops led by well-qualified instructors in the 1840-50’s Canal Village. Sessions held in the Canal Interpretive Center. Enjoy the Canal Village atmosphere as you learn new skills and knowledge to motivate you and share with the public.

Download the Conference Program here.

Mid-Atlantic Mini Conference Fall 2026 (09 Nov 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Mid-Atlantic Mini-Conference

Monday, November 9, 2026

Join fellow ALHFAM members and colleagues from across the Mid-Atlantic Region for a day of learning, sharing and connecting at John Dickinson Plantation in Dover, Delaware.

This year's min-conference brings together a variety of perspectives and practical approaches to living history, interpretation and museum education. It also provides a unique opportunity to think deeply about your career in the field and/or your organization's hiring practices with a special presentation by a Wilmington-based museum career coach.

Download the Program

Registration coming soon!

Registration deadline: October 30, 2026*

ALHFAM Members: $30
Non-Members: $70 Includes an ALHFAM Individual Membership.
Must be a current member to participate.

Registration includes all site fees, session, workshops and a catered lunch from Olive Garden.

* Please note that we need to reach a minimum number of participants to run the conference and may need to cancel if that number is not met. Maximum attendance is 40.

Historic Baking at Missouri Town (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Historic Baking at Missouri Town

Missouri Town Living History Museum
8010 E. Park Rd., Lee's Summit MO 64064

Cost: $25

Join us for our hearth baking workshop and learn how baking was done in the mid-19th century. You will be using simple historic recipes. Not only will you enjoy the delicious smell of baking, but you will also have the opportunity to taste what you baked. Period clothing is encouraged, but not necessary. All clothing should be made of natural fibers, as there will be open fires. Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited.

Learn more:
https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/Events-Attractions/Historic-Sites/Missouri-Town-Living-History-Museum

Timber Framing a Dovecote and Chicken House (12 Jan 2027)

Tue, 12 Jan 2027 05:00:00 GMT

Timber Framing a Dovecote and Chicken House

ALFHAM HiTS PIG Workshop

January 12-13, 2027

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site in Washington, Texas is proud to host an ALHFAM Historic Trades and Skills Professional Interest Group (HiTS PIG) workshop on timber framing. By the end of this two-day workshop, participants will have helped assemble a new dovecote and chicken house at Barrington Living History Farm. The course will be taught by carpenter Paul Unger and will focus on teaching timber framing skills like mortise and tenon joinery, draw boring and raising structures. The course is limited to 10 participants, and it is free for ALHFAM members. If you wish to participate and are not an ALHFAM member, you will need to become an ALHFAM member. Student/retiree/unemployed professional memberships start at $25; individual memberships start at $40. Some meals will be provided courtesy of the ALHFAM HiTS PIG. More information about the workshop, including housing information and how to register, is coming soon.

This is also a pre-conference workshop for the Texas Living History Association’s (TLHA) annual conference January 14-17, 2027, at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Course participants are also encouraged to register to attend the TLHA conference.

South Central US ALHFAM Regional Conference 2027 (05 Feb 2027)

Fri, 05 Feb 2027 05:00:00 GMT

South Central US ALHFAM Regional Conference
February 5 - 7, 2027

Remaining Relevant: Building on the Past, Dreaming for the Future

What is “living history”? It’s right there in the title: bring history to life. “Living historians” seek to find the right balance of engaging our modern audience while remaining true to the history entrusted to us. We can fall into the trap of holding so tightly to tradition that we miss opportunities to connect with our modern audience. We can also aim solely to please the audience and in turn sacrifice historical accuracy. Does that mean we have to choose between tradition and relevance? Not at all! Let’s find ways to build on the past and dream for the future.

The ArkLaHoma Living History Association along with the South Central Region of ALHFAM seeks proposals for workshops, sessions, panels, and presentations for the 2027 Conference in Washington, Arkansas on February 5-7, 2027. Event will be hosted by Historic Washington State Park. To submit a proposal, click the "Online Form" link below to fill out or click the "Download Form" to fill out a paper copy. All presenters are expected to register for the full meeting or the day on which they present.

Submit a Proposal for a Session

Fill out a form online.

Download the form.

The deadline for submitting proposals is October 17, 2026.

ALHFAM 2027 Annual Meeting & Conference (22 Jun 2027)

Tue, 22 Jun 2027 04:00:00 GMT

ALHFAM Annual Meeting & Conference 2027

Cultivating a Future of Skills and Heritage

Grow with us at ALHFAM 2027 Annual Meeting & Conference

Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg Virginia

June 22–25, 2027

Join us as we dig deep into the rich soil of living history at the ALHFAM Annual Meeting & Conference, proudly hosted by Colonial Williamsburg.

Our Past is Like a Tree - Rooted in farm and agricultural traditions, with history as the sturdy trunk and our diverse work as the many branches reaching outward.

See the main conference page for more details:
https://alhfam.org/2027-Annual-Conference