50 Years of Putting History to Work: USC Public History Program Anniversary

Founded in 1975 as the Applied History Program, USC’s Public History program has grown to become one of the oldest and most influential in the country. For five decades, we have prepared students to bridge the gap between the university and the public, shaping the field through careers in museums, archives, historic sites, and cultural resource management.

Whether you are a program alumna/us, a partnering institution, a current student, or a friend of the program, we invite you to join us for a celebration of our history and a look toward the next 50 years.

Event Highlights:

● Networking Receptions: Reconnect with fellow alumni, faculty, and professionals in the field.

● Reflections on the Program and the Profession: A look back at the program's evolution and impact on South Carolina and beyond.

● Celebrating 300+ Graduates: Celebrating the legacy of our extensive network.

● Future Initiatives: A brief look at the future of public history at USC.

Overview of Schedule:

Date: 2026 April 18 (Saturday)
Location: University Conference Center, 8th Floor Close-Hipp Building
8:45AM Check in Buffet breakfast
9:15 Welcome
9:30AM-10:30AM: Sessions 1 and 2 (Concurrent)
Break
10:45AM-12:00PM: Sessions 3 and 4 (Concurrent)
Break
12:15PM-1:30PM Luncheon
Break
2PM-3PM: Sessions 5 and 6 (Concurrent)
Break
3:15-4:15PM Sessions 7 and 8 (Concurrent)
4:30PM Closing remarks

Planned sessions include:
The South Carolina Impact of the Public/Applied History program
The National Impact of the Public/Applied History program
Public Historians on the Frontline
What’s happening in Public History (Museums, Libraries, Archives) at USC
What’s happening in public history (Museums, Libraries, Archives) nationally and in the states?
Leading public history programs and teaching future public historians
Poster presentations
Professional Networking table topics

Additional Information:
There will also be informal gatherings on Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday morning. A full program will be added in March. Visit here for updates. Registration is required by Wednesday, April 8th. For more information, please contact: Amber Waterstradt at [email protected]

All attendees are expected to adhere to the Carolinian Creed.

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Host or Publisher USC, College of Arts and Sciences