2026 Annual Conference

The Next 250: Museums and the Future of Democracy

Monday, June 1, 2026 at Central Connecticut State University

Important Dates and Information

• Tuesday, February 10, 7 p.m.: Conference Session Brainstorming Meet-Up (Zoom)
• Friday, February 13, 12:00 p.m.: Conference Session Brainstorming Meet-Up (Zoom)
• Friday, March 6: Session proposal deadline
• April: Conference presentations confirmed, full conference schedule posted
• Wednesday, May 27: Registration deadline
• Monday, June 1: Date of Conference

Conference Theme

“The Next 250: Museums and the Future of Democracy” will explore the important roles museums of all disciplines play in our democracy, showcase the work of Connecticut museums around the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and contemplate the future of our field at this critical moment in our country. The conference will convene people from all disciplines to discuss the challenges facing museums at this moment, demonstrate the value of work that integrates the arts, humanities, and sciences through meaningful museum experiences, and make space for dialogue and creative action for our field.

You can read more about the conference theme in our call for session proposals.

2026 Conference Highlights

With support from the the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, we will be adding new initiatives to this year's conference designed to enhance dialogue between the arts and other museum disciplines and highlight 250th efforts at art museums and organizations. These will include:

• A special keynote session
• A participatory art project carried out with all attendees the day of the conference
• Representation from art museums across the state in the conference planning process
• Increased accessibliity for all conferencegoers

Conference Sessions

We are actively soliciting proposals for this year's breakout sessions. Visit our sessions page to:

• Learn more about sessions and formats
• Read the call for session proposals
• Download a PDF of the call for session proposals
• Submit a session proposal
• Attend a conference session brainstorming meet-up to get ideas and find fellow presenters

Please note that the conference committee does not accept unsolicited proposals for keynote presentations.

Conference Session Brainstorming Meet-Ups

To help you connect with other folks who may have session ideas or topics similar to yours, the League will be hosting two virtual brainstorming and networking sessions. These are a great way to workshop your ideas with museum folk across communities, organizations, and disciplines, and connect with people who might be able to propose a session with you. League staff and conference committee members will be there to facilitate the conversation, hear your ideas, and help craft your thoughts into proposals.

• Register for the evening session on Tuesday, February 10th at 7 p.m.
• Register for the noontime session on Friday, February 13th at 12 p.m.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities

Check back for our sponsorship package in February.

The 2026 Conference is made possible with the support of the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.