Announcing the Connecticut League of Museums 2026 Annual Conference - The Next 250: Museums and the Future of Democracy
- CLHO
- Feb 12
- 3 min read
Monday, June 1, 2026 at Central Connecticut State University
Session Proposal Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
The Connecticut League of Museums invites session proposals for our 2026 Annual Conference, “The Next 250: Museums and the Future of Democracy,” which will take place June 1, 2026. With the Semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence upon us, we will reflect on what this anniversary has—and has not—meant to our institutions and the communities we serve, and showcase the ideas, projects, and conversations that it has sparked in Connecticut and beyond. What lessons have we learned? What can we take ahead with us into the next 250 years? How can we shape the museum field of the future?
“The Next 250” will explore the important roles museums of all disciplines play in our democracy, showcase the work of Connecticut museums around the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and contemplate the future of our field at this critical moment in our country. The conference will convene museum people from all disciplines to discuss the challenges facing museums at this moment, demonstrate the value of work that integrates the arts, humanities, and sciences through meaningful museum experiences, and make space for dialogue and creative action for our field.
We want to hear your ideas! We are especially seeking proposals that bridge museum disciplines and that represent the full range of Connecticut's museum community, from arts to zoos. Supported by a grant from the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, this year's conference will include a special keynote and a participatory art project.
Conference Sessions
We welcome a variety of session formats, including workshops, panel presentations, interactive sessions, case studies, roundtables, working groups, and lightning talks. Conference sessions are usually one hour. Successful sessions offer practical examples of projects and efforts that tackle real-world challenges, bring together presenters from more than one institution or community, and provide takeaways that participants can bring back to their own communities.
We are committed to broadening participation in the conference from across the field. We are especially seeking proposals from first-time attendees and presenters, as well as from organizations that have not been part of the League in the past. Scholarship opportunities will be available.
Session Brainstorming Meet-Ups
You don't have to be an expert to propose a session! We're particularly interested in your ideas for think tanks and discussion sessions on a subject you're interested in but may not know much about. If you've got some thoughts and are willing to moderate a conversation, suggest it!
Got a session idea but need to find some fellow presenters? Join us for a virtual matchmaking session to share your ideas and meet others who might be interested in collaborating. Session will take place Friday, February 13th at noon.
Register for 2/13 at noon
About the Conference
CLM's annual conference attracts over 200 museum professionals, board members, students, volunteers, and museum and history enthusiasts representing more than 400 museums, historical societies, historic sites, libraries, archives, and organizations in allied fields. Our full-day conference includes:
• concurrent sessions of workshops and panel discussions
• opportunities for networking with others during lunch and throughout the day
• an extensive exhibitor and vendor hall showcasing services and opportunities for your museum or business
• a featured keynote or plenary session
This year's conference is made possible with the support of the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Comments