Revolutions: Promise and Peril – Summer 2025
When: June 12-13, 2025
Where: Boise State University
Cost: $50
About the Conference
This year’s conference, themed “Revolutions: Promise and Peril,” in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard round the world,” offers content-rich, teaching-centric sessions filled with cutting-edge approaches to learning.
The conference aims to place the American Revolution—often credited with inspiring democratic movements around the world—into its larger context, historically, politically, and intellectually. In addition to highlighting the American Revolution, where political conflict promised greater access to democracy, we will also explore other revolutionary events, such China’s Cultural Revolution, where political conflict ultimately imperiled such access. Teachers will choose from an array of topics related to the history and concepts of revolutions across time and around the globe, focusing on those that best meet their individual needs and interests.
In addition to rich content to inspire the learner inside every effective teacher, sessions may also model or demonstrate effective pedagogies. Ultimately, the conference seeks to build networks among educators and to rekindle academic connections across Idaho, promoting a strong, vibrant community of teachers who support Idaho’s future generations.
Keynote Speaker
This year we are honored to have two outstanding keynote speakers.
The opening keynote will be delivered by Dr. Raymond Krohn, associate professor and associate chair of history at Boise State University. His talk, “Articles of Promise: The First United States Constitution and the Fight for Independence, 1776-1781,” explores the Articles of Confederation as the inaugural American effort at nation-state building, especially the creation of an appropriate plan of union and system of government amidst an uncertain revolutionary conflict.
Our second keynote address will be given by Dr. Lisa M. Brady, Professor and Chair of the History Department at Boise State University. In “Revolution Betrayed: The Tragic Legacy of China’s Cultural Revolution” Professor Brady will show how a movement based on aspirations for a perfect society devolved into deadly confrontation between past, present, and future visions of the Chinese nation.
Breakout Sessions
Presenters will include Boise State faculty, award-winning master teachers in history, government, and other disciplines, as well as local and regional scholars with expertise on a wide variety of topics around the theme of revolutions.
Visitors to Boise
Visitors to Boise may enjoy the nearby Wassmuth Center for Human Rights: Home of the Anne Frank Memorial, the Capitol Building, Idaho State Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Old Idaho Penitentiary, Preservation Idaho’s Walking Tours of historic sites and much more!
Professional Development Credit
Participants will also be able to register for professional development credit through Boise State University for an additional fee. Registration is simple, and support is available through the university’s Extended Studies Customer Service team. For more information about credit options, contact Extended Studies at (208) 426-1709 or email ExtendedStudies@boisestate.edu.
Limited Free Housing Available
The Symposium on Civic and History Education is pleased to offer a limited number of rooms on Boise State’s campus at no cost to conference attendees. These rooms are in University Suites, which include four private bedrooms, two shared bathrooms, and a common kitchen/living area (please see this overview video).
Priority will be given to those outside of the Treasure Valley, with two suites (8 spots) reserved for pre-service students. There will be a section on the registration form to indicate your interest in being considered for this opportunity.
Funding provided by the Idaho State Department of Education and a grant from the Institute for Advancing American Values through the America at 250 program.