Pinehurst, NC - February 19-21, 2026

The South Central Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (SCSECS) looks forward to welcoming all to its 2026 meeting in Pinehurst, which is slated for February 19-21, 2026.  The incomparable 2026 SCSECS meeting will present a fabulous opportunity to engage in lively intellectual conversation centered on 18th-century topics while luxuriating in all the amenities of a vibrant resort, set in the heart of the Village of Pinehurst, a National Historic Landmark, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and Warren Manning. Pinehurst offers a spa, history, golf, shopping, landscape, birding, croquet, watering holes, and more! You will not want to miss out on this opportunity.

All topics related to the long 18th century are welcome. We especially encourage papers related to this year's theme: reading and writing; rural sports; spas and resorts; shopping; competitions; gambling; drinking; music; theatre, and all other eighteenth-century pastimes. Further ideas that would be relevant to our theme and venue include panels that center on the Eighteenth Century and Golf, Native American Pleasure, Rural Sports, Landscape Architecture, and Retirement. Those speaking on any eighteenth-century topic will be providing pleasure, hence in keeping with the theme.

Paper proposals are due on or before September 25. Acceptances will be sent out on or before October 15.

For further information and updates on what panels have available space, please check our website: www.scsecs.net  If your idea does not fit one of the panels we've already got posted, please send it directly to the SCSECS President, Catherine Parisian, at Catherine.Parisian@uncp.edu.

Since its inception in 1975, SCSECS has provided a forum for scholars of the "long" eighteenth century (1688-1850). A regional affiliate of the American Society for Eighteenth Century Studies, SCSECS is an interdisciplinary scholarly organization that enjoys a reputation for exceptional conviviality and inclusiveness. This year, we invite you to join us at North Carolina's fabled Pinehurst Resort for our annual meeting and celebration of our fiftieth anniversary.

Nestled in a late 19th-century village, Pinehurst features bountiful restaurants, quaint shops and an array of activities. Guests might relax at the spa, take a carriage ride through the village, watch races at the harness track, visit the Tufts Archives, take their turn in a round of croquet, pedal through the streets of the village, or sip bourbon at the North South Bourbon Bar. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the village features beautiful well-maintained historic homes and Olmstead's signature curvilinear and concentric system of streets. It offers a peaceful atmosphere for your morning run, afternoon walk, or quiet meditative moment.

A note about travel: Situated in the Sandhills region of North Carolina, Pinehurst is convenient to the Raleigh Airport (RDU) which is just an hour and ten-minute drive away. The resort has van service that you may reserve for a fee, or you may rent a car or reserve an Uber or similar car service.

Train Travel: Amtrak services Southern Pines. Just thirteen minutes by car from our conference venue the Carolina Hotel. Once at the station you may request an Uber or similar car service or call a local taxi.

Automobile Travel: Those driving to Pinehurst will be best served by their GPS or favorite map app.

Questions? Contact the SCSECS President, Catherine Parisian, at Catherine.Parisian@uncp.edu.