2017 Berkshire Conference on the History of Women, Genders and Sexualities

June 01 - 04, 2017

In 2017, the New-York Historical Society opened the Center for Women's History, the first institution in the nation within the walls of a museum dedicated to enriching the public understanding of the American past through a focus on women. In addition to exhibitions, public programs, and curriculum development, the Center has begun to establish an archive of American women’s history, particularly as it relates to New York City.

• What themes, keywords, and areas would be important to focus on in building an archive of women’s history?
• How relevant is "feminism" within and to the construction of such an archive?
• How might we ensure a well-rounded, multi-vocal collection, rather than one that emphasizes particular (and often hegemonic) understandings of feminism? 
• How much to focus on individuals, how much to focus on collectives, how much to collect material that isn't explicitly “about” women but created by, or mattering to, women?

Bring your ideas and your appetites: lunch will be served!