Ohio Valley History Conference
The Ohio Valley History Conference (OVHC) is a regional academic conference promoting scholarship and research across all historical disciplines with a special focus on Kentucky and Tennessee. Since its beginning in 1985, the conference has been hosted annually. Currently, it rotates among six host institutions: Western Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University, Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Tech University.
The Tennessee Tech History Department will host this conference
October 22-24, 2026
2026 Ohio Valley Historical Conference Call for Papers
Hosted by the Tennessee Technological University History Department
Theme: New Narratives in History
The 2026 Ohio Valley History Conference will be held at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. The conference will occur October 22-24. We encourage panels and proposals from historians and scholars in related areas, as well as different phases of their careers. The conference is also open to round-table proposals and topics in public histories. We welcome topics from all historical geographies, thematic areas, and time-periods. We especially welcome topics, discussions, and presentations that explore new and dynamic historical subjects and interpretations.
In order to submit a paper, panel, roundtable, or workshop please provide 150-word description of your paper and a short CV of each participant to edriggers@tntech.edu. A single document for panels is encouraged and appreciated. If you are proposing a workshop, please provide a detailed 250–300-word description of what you plan of action will be at the conference. Please subject your email application “OVC Historical Conference 2026.” Please submit your application email by July 15, 2026.
Information about accommodations and registration will be updated in September.