Call for Papers
Herkimer County 250th Commission Semi-Quincentennial Conference
Theme: Liberty and the American Revolution
 April 24–26, 2026
 Herkimer College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY 13350
Conference Director: Sharon Powell, Herkimer College
 Conference Fee: TBD
 Proposal Deadline: December 31, 2025

Conference Overview
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Herkimer County 250th Commission invites scholars, educators, and public historians to participate in a three-day conference exploring the multifaceted concept of liberty during the era of the American Revolution.

Liberty—the freedom to live without oppressive restriction on one’s life, behavior, or political views—was the rallying cry of the American colonists. Yet, its meaning was far from uniform. For some, it meant political autonomy; for others, it was tied to personal freedom, economic opportunity, or cultural expression. This conference seeks to examine how liberty was understood, pursued, and contested by individuals and communities in the decades leading up to and during the Revolutionary War.

Submission Guidelines
Please submit the following materials by December 31, 2025:

• Abstract (250 words):
• Clearly state your research question, methodology, key findings, and significance.
• Include a concise and descriptive title.
• Indicate your preferred presentation format (individual paper, panel discussion, etc.).
• Author Information:
• Full name, institutional affiliation (if applicable), and email address
• Brief biographical statement (100–150 words)

Important Dates

•  Abstract Submission Deadline: December 31, 2025
•  Notification of Acceptance: February 15, 2026
•  Full Paper Submission (if applicable): March 15, 2026

For questions or more information, please contact:
 Sharon Powell – powellsm@herkimer.edu

We look forward to your contributions to this important commemoration of liberty and revolution.