"Commonwealth, Common Work"
June 7-June 9, 2026
Paducah, Kentucky
Kentucky is one of only four American states also considered a "commonwealth." Even though this designation has few legal implications for Kentuckians, the concept of a commonwealth--at its heart, a community formed to serve the common weal, or common well-being--does have profound philosophical implications. The Kentucky Museum & Heritage Alliance (KMHA) 2026 Annual Conference, "Commonwealth, Common Work," invites you to explore how our work--as public historians, preservationists, museum and arts professionals, parks administrators, avocational humanities advocates, and other lovers of Kentucky's culture--is essential to ensuring the well-being of everyone who calls the Commonwealth home.
As the nation as a whole reflects on its 250th anniversary, we have the opportunity to do our own reflection in Kentucky. What does it mean for the arts, history, and heritage institutions authentically to unite for the common public good? How can we infuse the service we provide to our communities, and to each other, with the deeper meaning of "commonwealth?" Can we further broaden our interpretation of our shared cultural inheritance? What is our responsibility to those who will inherit our cultural landscape in the future?
Session proposals are now open. Please submit your sessions for consideration before FEBRUARY 28, 2026.
Become a Sponsor
By sponsoring KMHA's 2026 conference at one of its four levels, you can help us offer the best possible professional development and networking opportunities to our membership.