The first THATCamp AHA was in Chicago in 2012, and it has been a valuable addition to the conference ever since, but is it something we should continue doing in the future, or are there other better ways to spend our time and energy. There have been numerous sessions at THATCamps over the years asking similar questions, without, as far as I am aware, coming to any particularly useful conclusions. Even so, I think it would be helpful to explore what (if anything) should come next or if this is still a valuable and useful format.

The American Yawp collaboratively edited textbook has been around for a few years now, and Chicago University Press has recently announced the publication of a free history textbook (although it’s not strictly speaking “open”), Open Stax has a US History Textbook, and I’m sure there’s a range of other materials available as open access resources, but it’s my impression that uptake has been slow and quality varies greatly. I would be interested in a talk session where we discuss what kinds of resources are available, how well used they are, and what could be done to facilitate the creation, discovery, and use of these kinds of materials.

Wikimedia Commons Credit: Benoît Prieur (Agamitsudo) – CC-BY-SA

We are very happy to announce that the AHA will be holding THATCamp this year in partnership with the history department at George Washington University. It will be held on January 3rd, 2018 on the GW campus in Foggy Bottom, just a few metro stops from the meeting hotels.

Everything, as they say, has a history, and THATCamp AHAs are no exception. The first THATCamp at an American Historical Association annual meeting took place in January 2012. That makes this the seventh annual event. Over the past seven years, they have been a place for historians to learn about and exchange ideas for how to use technology for research and in the classroom. They have been venues where projects have been conceived and connections made between scholars. Hundreds of scholars have been introduced to digital history in a relaxed, fun, and informal environment.

But what makes THATCamp great is you. So register now, and plan to join us at George Washington University on January 3rd.

You don’t need to be attending the AHA to come to THATCamp. All are welcome.

Read more about the THATCamp movement and browse other THATCamps at thatcamp.org.