Dear ICOM ICMAH Members, Professionals, Museum Directors, Curators, and Friends

ICOM ICMAH International Committee for Museums and Collections of Archaeology and History is cordially inviting you to join the ICOM ICMAH Annual Conference 2025, which will be held during the ICOM Dubai 2025 General Conference titled:

“The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities“

Date: 12-14 November 2025      Venue: Dubai, UAE

The Conference is organized by ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Archaeology and History (The ICMAH), in cooperation with the International Committee for Regional Museums (ICR), and the International Committee for Disaster Resilient Museums (DRMC).

Regional museums serve as vital historical and archaeological heritage custodians, bridging the gap between local communities and global histories. However, in an era of rapid urbanization, climate change, and digital transformation, these institutions face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Natural disasters, political instability, and conflict pose significant threats to regional museums, jeopardizing their capacity to preserve historical, archaeological, and cultural heritage artifacts, as well as the safety of their staff and the integrity of their infrastructure.

ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Archaeology and History (The ICMAH), International Committee for Regional Museums (ICR), and International Committee for Disaster Resilient Museums (DRMC) are inviting scholars, museum professionals, archaeologists, educators, and community advocates to contribute papers that discuss the preservation of regional museums and their archaeological collections during critical periods. Additionally, the conference will facilitate discussions regarding potential mitigation strategies to effectively respond to such crises through Session A. In Session B, the ICMAH, ICR will focus on reimagine how regional museums can leverage technology, participatory practices, and inclusive narratives to remain relevant and resilient. Additionally, explore innovative strategies for interpreting archaeological collections beyond traditional display methods, while addressing the evolving role of regional museums as dynamic spaces for education, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Session C will be a separate session for each Committee. So, ICMAH is designating this session to discuss the Future of History and Archaeology Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.

The conference will be held under three themes. The Full CALL is HERE:

• Session A: “Strategic Planning for Regional and Local Museums in Response to Crisis for the Archaeological Heritage Preservation” – ICMAH, ICR, DRMC
• Session B: “Interpreting History and Archaeology at Regional Museums – Beyond Display and Innovative Interpretation of Archaeological Heritage” – ICMAH & ICR
• Session C: ” The Future of History and Archaeology Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities” – ICMAH

For papers submission, submission instructions, and dates, please visit the ICOM Dubai website (https://dubai2025.icom.museum/)

For information and queries, please contact: secretary.icmah@icom.museum

We look forward to receiving your abstract then the paper contributions, and participation.

Respectfully,

ICOM-ICMAH