Memorialization Conference

Scholars from many fields develop and study memorials and the process of memorialization. Some scholars work on the contextualization of existing monuments. Others create art installations and educational displays in museums and memorials in public spaces, and still others examine historical trends and the interplay of psychological, cultural, legal, and institutional influences on the memorials themselves, the memorialization process, and how people use and interact with them. But scholarship on the theory and practice of memorialization largely proceeds within specific fields. Fields across the humanities and social sciences (1) have their own methods, goals, and conceptual/theoretical tools, (2) examine different types of cases, and (3) engage with different populations of subjects, partners, and communities. The ethical questions, challenges, and approaches vary along with the nature of the work. This two-day interdisciplinary conference features headline speakers from five disciplines, and includes receptions, meals, and outings.

Memorials help shape how societies view history and their future. The Memorialization: Theory, Methods, Goals and Ethics conference will invite experts from across the nation to discuss the history and importance of memorials on March 14-15, 2025 at Ole Miss.

Link to Conference Program 2025

This material is based on work supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities grant no. RZ-300085-24.

Illustration by Stefanie Goodwiller/University Marketing and Communications