The Archaeological Heritage Network (AHN) seeks proposals for the AIC's 2027 Annual Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Proposals should reflect the meeting theme of Community of Trust and center on archaeological conservation. Possible topics include field work, site management, archaeological collections, and/or a significant treatment. We encourage submissions that highlight working effectively across disciplines and/or within teams, sustainable preservation, and collaborative work with traditional knowledge holders. AHN will be hosting an AHN Specialty Session, a Joint Session with the Architecture Specialty Group (ASG), and assisting with a session on the Treatment of Mummified Human Remains.
Submissions for the ASG/AHN joint session should focus on archaeological and architectural preservation in relation to communities of trust. Topics may include though are not limited to sustainable site and architectural preservation in relation to local capacity building, funding strategies, adaptive reuse, locally sourced materials, innovative solutions to sites with limited resources, and environmentally conscious strategies within networks of trust.
Submissions for the Treatment of Mummified Human Remains may include the treatment and restoration of mummified human remains, reflections of past decisions, highlighting how conservation professionals balance treatment priorities, research and exhibit goals, and ethical considerations. Session organizers recognize the difficulties inherent when discussing these matters but feel that this makes it more important to create a space in which these discussions can happen. Papers submitted for this session may include sensitive materials and/or contested cultural heritage. Please select the "My Proposed Abstract Engages with Contested Cultural Heritage" when completing your submission to ensure the topic is handled with additional care.
Abstraction submission deadline is Wednesday, September 30th, 2026. Abstracts should be no longer than 500 words and be accompanied by author bio(s) of 300 words or less. To submit an abstract, please click here or visit AIC's Call for Submissions webpage. There is now one centralized proposal form to submit papers (as well as panels and posters) for AIC. If you have any questions, please reach out to AHN Program Chair, Alyssa Rina (alyssarina@gmail.com) and AHN Assistant Program Chair, Ella Andrews (ejaconservation@gmail.com).
------------------------------
Alyssa Rina (she/her)
Objects Conservator at Western Archeological and Conservation Center
M.S. in Art Conservation | Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation
------------------------------