Southeast Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians (SESAH)

The Southeast Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians, Inc. (SESAH) is a U.S. nonprofit organization serving as a regional chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH). It was founded in 1983, with art historian John Howett of Emory University playing a pivotal role, particularly as the acting president during its inception. SESAH's mission centers on promoting interest and study in historical architecture and related subjects in the southeastern United States.

Mission and Activities

SESAH aims to foster a community of architectural historians, architects, preservationists, and scholars by organizing annual conferences that include presentations of scholarly papers, awards recognizing excellence in architectural history publications and preservation projects, and tours of significant architectural sites throughout the region. The organization also offers student travel grants to support young scholars attending its annual and national SAH conferences.

Publications

SESAH publishes a peer-reviewed journal titled Arris, which was launched in 1989. As of 2019, Arris is published in partnership with the University of North Carolina Press. The organization also releases a tri-annual newsletter that covers updates, news, and scholarly insights relevant to the field of architectural history in the southeast.

Governance and Structure

SESAH was formally incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Arkansas in 1992. Its administrative structure is designed such that each member state within the southeast region has elected representatives on the SESAH board, ensuring a diverse and inclusive governance. The chapter includes twelve states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Impact and Partnerships

SESAH collaborates with other academic and professional organizations to advance regional scholarship in architectural history. It has supported the Buildings of the United States publication series by the Society of Architectural Historians, contributing funds to volumes covering states within its region. The organization's annual conferences have featured renowned scholars from around the world, contributing to its reputation as a hub for intellectual exchange in the field of architectural history.