The University of Arizona Press
When: October 12-15, 2022
Where: San Antonio, Texas at the Hyatt Regency
We are thrilled to be participating in the 62nd annual Western History Association conference in San Antonio! This year’s theme is “Protocols and Poets of Place.”
From WHA: In A Map to the Next World, U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo writes, “When traveling to another country it’s important to recognize the spirits there, and acknowledge them with prayers, so that you won’t inadvertently offend or hurt by ignorance of protocol of that place.” As historians, we may or may not read poetry and we may or may not be given to prayer, but we do traverse time and space. So we can heed Harjo when she implores us to ask that our presence in a place be “a blessing rather than a curse.” It takes a poet to make poetry of protocol, which we understand in relation to matters more prosaic—medical research and diplomatic practices, carceral codes and border routines, military maneuvers and pride parades. Harjo insists that places, including North American western places, also have protocols, even if historically those protocols have been too seldom observed.
We look forward to meeting you at the conference. Be sure to stop by our booth to browse our wonderful collection of new and recent history titles, and talk to our Editor-in-Chief Kristen Buckles! If you would like to set up a meeting with Kristen, email her at kbuckles@uapress.arizona.edu.
