Call For Papers and Posters

Vernacular Architecture Forum 
2027 Annual Meeting
Cincinnati, Ohio
May 19-22, 2027

DEADLINE – DECEMBER 15, 2026, Midnight EST 

The Vernacular Architecture Forum invites paper and poster proposals for its 48th Annual Meeting: “Built by the River: Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.” 

The paper and poster sessions will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2027. We invite twenty-minute presentations, as well as posters, that examine vernacular and everyday buildings, sites, or cultural landscapes worldwide and the ways people inhabit and use them. We welcome papers introducing new methodologies for researching vernacular architecture or innovative pedagogies for engaging students in the analysis of everyday buildings and cultural landscapes. Proposals that address these or related themes in the cultural landscapes of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and the Ohio River Valley are especially encouraged, as are proposals that focus on riverfront development, maritime structures, and riparian environments.

Students and emerging professionals may apply for the Pamela H. Simpson Presenter’s Fellowships, which offer support of up to $1,000 for presenting papers and posters at VAF’s annual conference.

Please note that the VAF requires speakers to both deliver accepted papers in person and be registered members at the time of the conference. Speakers are also encouraged to attend the entire conference, including tours. Speakers must register by March 15, 2027, or they will be removed from the program. Please do not submit a proposal if you are not committed to attending the conference and delivering your paper on Saturday, May 22, 2027. 

Speakers are welcome to submit proposals for both posters and papers but will only be selected to present one or the other.    

CALL FOR PAPERS

Proposals should clearly state the paper’s argument, methodology, and evidence. Papers should be analytical rather than descriptive, focusing on unique or understudied topics that have the potential to identify gaps in existing scholarship, and should be accessible to an interdisciplinary audience.  

Proposals for complete sessions are also welcome; please indicate if your proposal is being submitted as part of a complete session. 

Given the number of applications we receive, the VAF Papers Committee cannot provide individual feedback on applications or review proposals that do not adhere to the submission guidelines. All submissions will be acknowledged. If you have questions, please contact the Papers Committee (papers@vafweb.org). 

Please note that the VAF requires speakers to both deliver accepted papers in person and be registered members at the time of the conference. Speakers are also encouraged to attend the entire conference, including tours. Speakers must register by March 15, 2027, or they will be removed from the program. Please do not submit a proposal if you are not committed to attending the conference and delivering your paper on Saturday, May 22, 2027.

THE DEADLINE FOR PAPER PROPOSALS IS DECEMBER 15, 2025 AT MIDNIGHT EST. 

To submit a Paper proposal, please use THIS LINK.

CALL FOR POSTERS

VAF 2027 Cincinnati will also host a poster session to showcase recently completed research and works-in-progress. Students and emerging scholars are particularly encouraged to submit. Poster proposals may address topics relating to vernacular and everyday buildings, sites, or cultural landscapes worldwide. Proposals should include a title, proposal (no more than 200 words), and a one-page CV. Accepted presenters will be expected to follow general guidelines regarding poster dimensions but must design, print, and present their posters at the conference. If you have any questions about the poster session, please contact the Education Committee at posters@vafweb.org.

All proposals received will be acknowledged. 

THE DEADLINE FOR POSTER PROPOSALS IS DECEMBER 15, 2025.

To submit a Poster proposal, please use THIS LINK.

PAMELA H. SIMPSON PRESENTER’S FELLOWSHIPS

VAF’s Pamela H. Simpson Presenter’s Fellowships offer a limited amount of financial assistance to students and emerging professionals selected to present papers and posters at VAF’s annual conference. Awards are intended to offset travel and registration costs for students, and to attract developing scholars to the organization. Any person seeking to present a paper or poster who is currently enrolled in a degree-granting program, or who received a degree in 2025, is eligible to apply. Awards cannot exceed $1,000. Previous awardees are ineligible, even if their status has changed. Recipients are expected to participate fully in the conference, including tours and workshops.

To apply, submit with your proposal a one-page attachment with "Simpson Presenter’s Fellowship" at the top and the following information: 1) name, 2) institution or former institution, 3) degree program, 4) date of degree (received or anticipated), 5) mailing address, 6) permanent email address, 7) telephone number, and 8) paper or poster title in either the poster or paper submission form.

GENERAL INFORMATION For general information about the conference, please contact conference@vafweb.org.