The WHA’s first meeting was held in 1961 at La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since then, the organization has met every year in various venues across the West. A list of past conferences can be found in the Archives. The most active time of year for the Western History Association is during the annual conference held for one week in October. Unique and informative presentations and a variety of additional activities scheduled for attendees to showcase the unique personality and history of the conference location make these annual gatherings a vital experience!
Conference events include: keynote presentations by renowned historians, papers on a variety of topics showcasing a recent research, and awards for papers and books published during the previous year and submitted to the Western History Association for consideration
The conference is also an opportunity to meet established authors, professors and other recognized experts in western history along with those who are making their own name in the field. Special events are also scheduled for entertainment and for savoring the unique cultural heritage of the conference site.
Conferences
2012
Denver’s Blue Bear
- Denver, Colorado (Thursday – Sunday, October 4-7)
- Grand Hyatt Denver
1750 Welton Street
Denver, Colorado 80202, USA - 2012 Call for Papers
- Traveling Smithsonian Exhibit: Bittersweet Harvest: the Bracero Program, 1942-64 will be in Denver during WHA conference.
2013
- Tucson, Arizona (Wednesday – Saturday, Oct. 9-12)
- The Westin La Paloma Resort
3800 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85718, USA - 2013 Call for Papers
2014
- Newport Beach, California (Wednesday – Saturday, Oct. 15-18)
- Newport Beach Marriott Hotel
900 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660 USA
Useful Conference Information
2012 Conference Registration Information
The digital version of the 2012 WHA Conference Program is now available online. Paper copies of the conference program will be mailed to WHA members in June, along with a registration form. You also have the option of registering online.
- 2012 WHA 52nd Annual Conference Program
- 2012 WHA Registration Mail-In Form
- On-line Registration is now closed. On-site registration will begin on Thursday, Oct. 4 at noon.

