Oral History in the Mid-Atlantic Region (OHMAR), in partnership with The Alexandria Oral History Center, invites you to our 2026 Annual Conference themed “Witnessing State Violence: Oral History and Liberatory Praxis.” Thursday, May 7, 7 a.m. to Friday, May 8, 3 p.m. Events will occur at two venues in Alexandria, Virginia, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum and Lloyd House. Standard tickets can be purchased for $65 and student tickets can be purchased for $35 on the OHMAR website.
The theme encourages attendees to think critically about the role that oral history has in documenting and resisting state violence, to include municipal, provincial/state and federal forms of violence – via two key aspects of oral history practice: witnessing and power. Both national and internationally focused proposal topics are welcome, as well as viewpoints from across the ideological spectrum.
A special workshop will be on Friday, May 8 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street. Workshop Tickets are $15.
The local community is welcome to register for just the workshop: “Holding Multiple Truths: How Oral Historians Can Tell a Story from All Sides” facilitated by Shilpi Malinowski.
In this workshop, author, journalist and oral historian Shilpi Malinowski will share her process for examining the gentrification of D.C. from all sides, including the displaced, newcomers, for-profit and nonprofit developers, those who feel disrespected, and those who are unsure if they belong.
About OHMAR
OHMAR is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and improvement of oral history. OHMAR supports established and emerging oral historians in the practice of oral history by providing information and resources, an accessible community of expertise, and a vibrant professional and social network. Members include public and academic historians, librarians, archivists, teachers, folklorists, and independent researchers.
More information about OHMAR can be found at ohmar.org.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.