Website Search
Find information on spaces, staff, and services.
Amateur Journalism Conference – 2016
Madison, Wisconsin • July 21 – 23
The home of the Library of Amateur Journalism (LAJ), the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is hosting this national gathering to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the purchase of the LAJ by The Fossils (“the historians of amateur journalism”), and to highlight the efforts of UW staff in preserving and organizing it since they received it in 2004.
Before the age of desktop publishing, Twitter or Facebook, young men and women self-published in amateur journals. When first organized in the 1860s, thanks in part to the advent of small, less expensive presses, amateur journalism provided the youth of America with an outlet to share their voices with their peers and society. The movement launched numerous regional and national associations which continue today.
Three national amateur journalism organizations – The Fossils, the National Amateur Press Association (NAPA), and the American Amateur Press Association (AAPA) – will be collaborating to host joint panel sessions, a banquet, an auction and numerous opportunities to meet other individuals interested in the craft, history, and practice of amateur journalism. The conference is presented with support of the Friends of the UW-Madison Libraries.
Tentative Schedule:
Friday, July 22
| 8:30-9:30 | Opening Welcome led by AAPA |
| 9:45-10:45 | Little Magazine Collection at UW-Madison. Susan Barribeau. |
| 11:00-12:00 | The Library of Amateur Journalism. Ken Faig, Jessica Isaac, Robin Rider. |
| 1:30-3:30 | Exhibit of the Library of Amateur Journalism – Special Collections, 976 Memorial Library. |
| 4:00-6:00 | Amateur Journalism Attendee Auction. A traditional feature of amateur journalists’ conventions since the 1970’s. Donated material may include both printed material (e.g., amateur magazines, books concerning amateur journalism or printing) and printing equipment (e.g., type fonts, type cases, borders & other special type,composing sticks and other equipment). Sometimes amateur journalism memorabilia (e.g., photographs, ribbons, banners, badges) are also offered. |
| 7:00 | AAPA Charlie Bush Memorial Chinese Dinner (Location TBD) |
Saturday, July 23
| 10:00 AM | Memorial Library Opens |
| 10:15-11:00 | Late Greats in Amateur Journalism. Barry Schrader will moderate a panel discussion including David Tribby and George Hamilton sharing memories and anecdotes about some of the outstanding amateur journalists and printers no longer with us. |
| 11:15-12:00 | Down on the Farm with Russ and Delores Miller. One of AAPA’s most productive and interesting bundle contributors will share tales of their life on a farm outside Hortonville, Wisconsin. |
| 1:00-2:30 | Printing and the Amateur Journalism Hobby. |
| 2:45-4:15 | H.P. Lovecraft & Amateur Journalism. This panel will explore H. P. Lovecraft’s many-faceted involvement with the amateur journalism hobby and science fiction fandom as editor, publisher, writer, critic and office-holder during the period 1914-1937. Presented by S. T. Joshi and David E. Schultz (co-editors of the Lovecraft letters) and Ken Faig. |
| 6:00 Reception with Cash Bar
7:00 Banquet | Reception & Banquet $35.00.Please register online and then mail in your payment by June 15.Wisconsin Choice Buffet: Featuring the flavors of Wisconsin with Sliced Baked Tenderloin with Port Wine Sauce, Grilled Chicken Breast with a cranberry mushroom sauce, Herbed Baked Cod; Sour Cream Potatoes or Wild Rice; Glazed Baby Carrots and Whole Green Beans; Salad Bar; Fresh Fruit Salad; Relish Tray; Fresh Dinner Rolls; Beverages.The Pyle Center, Main Dining Room – 702 Langdon Street |
| 8:00 | Jessica Isaac, Keynote Presentation |
| 8:30 | Awards, Announcements, Farewells. |
Register Online Today:
UW-Madison Affiliates: Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni and Friends of the Library (Free), register here.
AAPA, NAPA and The Fossils Members and General Community, register here. Or, download the registration form and mail in your registration and payment.
Costs:
$10 general registration; free to UW-Madison Affiliates
$35 for Saturday evening reception and banquet
Travel Information:
Visiting UW-Madison
More Information:
Read about Jessica Isaac’s research in the Spring 2014 issue of Libraries Magazine.