During the 2025 Annual Meeting, members in attendance selected two potential locations for the 2026 conference. Those choices are then put to a vote by the membership at large. All members now have the opportunity to vote for the official location of our 2026 conference.

 
Biloxi, Mississippi

 

The city of Biloxi occupies a low-lying sandy peninsula that is bordered by the bay of Biloxi on the north and east and on the south by the Mississippi Sound. Archaeological artifacts prove the existence of Native Americans on the Biloxi peninsula long before European settlement. The name Biloxi, which means First People, is the legacy of the historic tribe that greeted the first French expedition in February 1699. Biloxi operated as the capital of the Louisiana Territory from 1720 to 1722, when it moved to New Orleans. Biloxi remained a French outpost until 1727. French occupation ended in 1763. Britain (1763 1783), Spain (1783–1810), and the Republic of West Florida (1810–1811) hoisted their flags over Biloxi and the Mississippi Coast, which was attached to the Mississippi Territory in 1812. The Territory entered statehood in 1817. The early 19th century resort era began as steamboats brought yellow fever refugees from New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Many built hotels and summer homes along the beachfront, and some chose to stay. The 1888 establishment of the seafood industry made Biloxi the seafood capital of the world in 1904. By 1920 the seafood industry and tourism were the drivers of Biloxi’s economy. Local highlights include Beauvoir, the Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art, the Maritime & Seafood History Museum and the Biloxi Lighthouse. Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library, was the final home of the only president of the Confederate States of America. The Biloxi Lighthouse was one of three Mississippi Sound lighthouses authorized in 1847.
 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

 

Beautiful and historic Gettysburg is located just 10 miles from Pennsylvania’s Southern border. In fact, it is actually closer in distance to Baltimore (60 miles) and Washington D.C. (90 miles) than it is to Philadelphia (130 miles). It was founded in 1786 and named after early settler Samuel Gettys. Known for Gettysburg National Battlefield, site of a major turning point in the Civil War, and now part of the Gettysburg National Military Park. The park also includes the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and Gettysburg National Cemetery, where a memorial marks the site of Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Gettysburg Address. The Visitor Center features a variety of exhibits for visitors to orient themselves, including a museum; “A New Birth of Freedom,” a 30-­minute movie narrated by Morgan Freeman; and the Cyclorama, the largest painting in North America, which brings to life Pickett’s Charge on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Other attractions include The Gettysburg Museum of History, a unique museum that spans several different historical periods, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site. There are many historic buildings and sites throughout Gettysburg. Check out the David Willis House and see where Abraham Lincoln put the final touches on his Gettysburg Address. Visit the Shriver House and the Jennie Wade House to learn about the civilian experience of the Battle of Gettysburg. Go to the Seminary Ridge Museum and experience the first day of the battle. Local genealogical resources include the Adams County Historical Society and the Pennsylvania State Archives.
 
Open the Annual Conference Ballot subfolder on the side navigation panel below to place your vote.