New Haven, Connecticut, May 27-29, 2026

From the Black engineer William Lanson, who once made New Haven’s Long Wharf the longest structure of its kind in North America to the birth of industrialized oystering in the waters between river, harbor, and Long Island Sound, New Haven sits at multiple margins of human and natural histories. The city is also the “cultural capital of Connecticut,” boasting renowned museums, research libraries, and some of the best “apizza” outside Naples. 

All scholars of the history or archaeology of fresh and saltwater, maritime cultural landscapes, navies, maritime security and strategy, and maritime actors (including the natural environment itself) are encouraged to submit proposals. We particularly seek presentations that highlight historically marginalized people, places, and subjects, including papers that consider race, class, gender and imperial, colonial, and environmental histories. 

The program committee invites panel proposals of at least three and no more than four papers. We also welcome roundtable and individual paper proposals. The committee will consider a limited number of remote presentations from international participants only on a case-by-case basis. Participants from the United States must present in-person. 

Proposal submissions should be in a single document (.doc or .docx) and include: A) panel or paper title; B) 150-200 word abstract for the full panel and for each paper submitted; C) a 150 word (maximum) biographical statement for each presenter; D) phone number, address, affiliation, and email of presenter(s); and E) any special requests to include remote participation by international presenters or any physical or technical accommodations required beyond a basic projector, laptop, and screen. Conference registration is required for all participants. 

Proposals should be submitted electronically to nasoh.conference@gmail.com by February 2, 2026. Contact Dr. Jason W. Smith at smithj131@southernct.edu for general questions about the conference. 

Student Grants and Awards All students applying to present are automatically considered for NASOH's Chad Smith Travel Grants. Students are also encouraged to submit their paper to be considered for the Clark G. Reynolds Student Paper Award.