Welcome to the Material Culture community! We’re so happy you’re here and we want you take full advantage of the opportunities our new platform provides. Please read over the code of conduct so we can continue to ensure a safe and supportive space for all. Thank you for your dedication to the Popular Culture Association!

Call For Papers

How do scholars understand culture as expressed in objects, artifacts, buildings, textiles, and other physical things? The study of material culture offers an exciting area for interdisciplinary research and conversation, as it brings together those engaged in scholarly inquiry in areas as diverse as history, art history, design, decorative arts, cultural studies, consumer studies, literature, communications, anthropology, sociology, museum studies, and beyond.

Of particular interest for this theme are papers that address human-made material objects as primary source materials for anthropological, geographical, sociological, historical, or area studies. In addition, this conference theme also welcomes methodological papers that theorize and critique “material culture” as a discipline for humanistic inquiry. Past presentations in this area have focused on museum artifacts and their interpretations; symbolic objects and associated cultural practices, including religious uses; commemorative items and memorabilia; historic places as literary landmarks; technologies used to record cultural expressions; textiles and fashion; and material hobbies and pastimes.

Given the meeting’s site in Atlanta, submissions related to the material culture of Atlanta, Georgia, or the South, including but not limited to culinary tools and equipment, public art, museum artifacts, regional architecture, local memorabilia, or fashion and textiles, will be particularly welcome.

This theme will consider proposals for sessions organized around a theme, special panels, and/or individual papers. Sessions are scheduled in 1½ hour slots, typically with four papers or speakers per standard session. If separate proposals are being submitted with the idea of being on the same panel, please note that clearly.

For individual papers, please submit an abstract of up to 250 words electronically through the conference submission site. All presenters must be members of the PCA and must register for the conference.

Proposals for a panel of four speakers also are encouraged. Panel proposals follow the procedures for individual paper submissions, including in each proposal a clear note that it is intended to be a part of a larger panel. Panel chairs can be assigned later in consultation with the Area Chair.

Please send any questions or inquiries to the Area Chair for Material Culture:

Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp

weitekampm@si.edu.

Important Dates to Remember:

• Database opens for Submissions - Sept. 1, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Begins - Sept. 1, 2025
• Deadline for Paper Proposals - Nov. 30, 2025
• Travel Grant Applications Due - Dec. 15, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Ends for Presenters - Dec. 31, 2025
• Regular Registration Begins for Presenters - Jan. 1, 2026 
• Travel Grant Decisions / Notifications - Jan. 31, 2026
• Regular Registration Ends for Presenters - Jan. 31, 2026
• Late Registration Starts for Presenters - Feb. 1, 2026
• Preliminary Program draft available - Feb. 6, 2026

Those Presenters Not Registered by Feb. 15 Will be Dropped from the Program

CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA, GA - April 8-11, 2026