Dear SAH Members,

At a time when many of us feel anxious about what is happening in the world around us, I want to reaffirm our shared commitment to the values that define the Society of Architectural Historians: academic integrity, inclusivity, advocacy for architectural history and preservation, and support for one another as a scholarly community.

We continue to monitor the evolving political situation and recognize the uncertainty that many of you are facing whether it’s due to job loss, funding cuts, or professional instability. Please know that SAH is actively working to collaborate with peer organizations, seek strategic partnerships, and explore meaningful ways to address the challenges confronting our field.

While we remain focused and grounded in our mission, we are also making every effort to avoid distraction and division. This is a time to stand together, not apart—to uplift our community and continue providing critical support for your work, your research, and your careers. 

As part of our forward-looking efforts, we are moving ahead with key initiatives, including the launch of a new mentorship program and workshops designed to build resilience among emerging and established professionals alike. Our growing catalog of virtual programs and workshops will continue to serve as essential platforms for professional development, dialogue, and mentorship.

We are especially concerned about our most vulnerable members—those who have lost jobs or funding, or whose positions are at risk. You are not alone. SAH is our professional home, and we will do everything we can to bolster each other during this turbulent period. 

Now, more than ever, we must come together as a community. We must listen, talk, and work collectively to develop strategies that will allow us to navigate this moment and emerge stronger. To that end, we are organizing a listening session at the conference (Saturday, May 3, 1:30-3:30pm) in collaboration with the IDEAS committee and a virtual one shortly after the annual conference to hear directly from you—our members—about your concerns and your ideas. An announcement about the virtual town hall will be shared in the coming weeks.

Let us remember that we are more than an academic society—we are a family. And like any family, our strength lies in our unity, our shared purpose, and our collective care for one another. This is a joint effort, and I am confident that, together, we will continue to advance our mission and support the future of architectural history and preservation.

Looking forward to seeing many of you in Atlanta.

With gratitude and solidarity,

Dr. Mohammad Gharipour
President, Society of Architectural Historians