American Printing History Association, find out more here: https://printinghistory.org/latest-2026-conference-news/

This year APHA will collaborate with the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts and the Common Press at the University of Pennsylvania to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first printing of the Declaration of Independence at a conference entitled, “Revolution in Print.” Taking place at the Kislak Center, on October 2-3, 2026, the conference will feature invited speakers who will address the theme, drop-in visits and tours at Philadelphia area museums, libraries, and historic sites, and curated lightning talks on a variety of subjects that reflect the current research in printing history. Conference organizers have also invited submissions for the lightning talks from traditional and emerging communities of scholarship.

The 2026 conference theme, “Revolution in Print” will explore how Revolutionary-era printing and document production continues to shape our design standards, cultural sensibilities, and political life today. The full conference program is still taking shape, but the following curated events are currently scheduled: 

    An opening keynote on Friday, October 2, at the Kislak Center, by Dr. James Green, Librarian Emeritus, Library Company of Philadelphia.

    Saturday afternoon sessions feature Invited speakers to date include Mindy Belloff, Michele Gabrielson, Sara Karpinski, John Pollack, and Angelica Williams.

    An extended session of lightning talks featuring current research in printing history

    Tours and demonstrations at Philadelphia area including, but not limited to: the American Philosophical Society, the Library Company of Philadelphia, Museum of the American Revolution, University of Pennsylvania Common Press – tour and printing demonstration, the Kislak Center – exhibit and show and tell from the collections, the Franklin Court Printing Office: https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/printingoffice.htm