Welcome to the digital home of the International Society for Landscape, Place, & Material Culture! For those fascinated by the tangible remnants of history and the evolving tapestry of cultural landscapes, you’ve arrived at a premier community. As a society dedicated to the exploration and understanding of our surroundings, we invite you to delve into the rich layers of place and material culture that define not only America but global landscapes. Explore our “About” page to get a deeper insight into our organization and its mission within the realm of cultural studies.
Our society has broadened its horizons, evolving to encompass a more inclusive perspective on landscape and culture, a change reflected in our updated name. Learn more about this exciting transition and our expanded focus here.
The spirit of exploration and discovery, much like that of the Pioneer American, drives our engagement with material culture. We were thrilled to recently host our 55th Annual Conference in Manchester, New Hampshire, in October 2024. The theme, “A Mosaic of Cultures: Landscapes of Migration and Identity,” resonated deeply, and we are excited to share photo highlights from this enriching event.
These visual snapshots capture moments from our Manchester conference, offering glimpses into the vibrant discussions and field explorations that characterize our annual meetings. Click on any image to enlarge it and navigate through the slideshow using your keyboard arrows, or simply tap to enlarge on touchscreens for an optimal viewing experience.
The group photograph from our Manchester conference was taken at Lafayette Park on Manchester’s West Side, standing before the statue of Ferdinand Gagnon (1949). Gagnon, a significant figure as a nineteenth-century newspaper publisher, is celebrated as the “father of Franco-American journalism,” a testament to the diverse cultural narratives we explore.
Pictured here are Scott and Stephanie leading an engaging Thursday Walking Tour during the conference, showcasing the experiential learning opportunities at our events.
From our Saturday Bus Tour, we captured this image of a repurposed gas station in Milford, NH, now ingeniously transformed into a brewery, illustrating the adaptive reuse of vernacular structures.
This group photo from the Saturday Bus Tour captures attendees at Lyndeborough Center, positioned in front of the historic Town Pound (1774) and the Congregational Church (1837), highlighting the rich historical fabric of New England towns.
Another memorable image from the Thursday Walking Tour, this motel subtly evokes the mysteries of place, reminiscent of narratives where “you can check in anytime you like, but you may never leave…”
And who could forget the infamous fried chicken platter at the J. Ruston Tavern in Arrow Rock, Missouri? A culinary highlight and a taste of local material culture!
Explore our website to discover more about The International Society for Landscape, Place, & Material Culture, and join us in uncovering the layers of meaning embedded in our environments.
Home | About | Officers | Board of Directors | Committees | Officers | Board of Directors | Committees | Mission Statement | Membership | Annual Meeting | Previous Meetings | Publications | Material Culture | Material Culture Submission Guideliines | PAST Journal | PAST Submission Guideliines | Compass Newsletter Current Issue (PDF) | Books for Review | Book Review Submission Guideliines | Awards | Search
