The Kitchen Table Collective (KTC) is an online network, founded by Anna Sheftel and Stacey Zembrzycki, whose members include leading scholars, artists, activists, and independent practitioners from around the world. Since 2023, the group has met virtually eight times a year to discuss members’ work, developments in the field of oral history, and the ways in which members are navigating the politics of their institutions, communities, and everyday lives. In June 2026, the collective will hold its first in-person meeting in Montreal. The four-day symposium “Listening in the Age of Polycrisis” (June 10-14) asks how oral historians ought to adapt to the shifting realities and crises of our current moment to not just strengthen the field, but think through what our work may offer our troubled world.
While the conference includes dedicated members-only sessions, the collective has put together a rich public-facing program that COHDS is delighted to host and support. The programming kicks off a day early with two exceptional, free master classes open to all. The first will feature Alistair Thomson on Wednesday, June 10, followed by a second master class with Martha Norkunas on Thursday, June 11. You can secure your spot for these master classes using the registration links provided.
The broader public schedule officially begins on Thursday evening at the MEM — Centre des mémoires montréalaises. Please join us for the symposium’s opening plenary on Thursday, June 11 and a full day of talks and workshops at the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling on Friday, June 12, all of which will focus on what it means to listen right now.
We ask that you register at the links below if you are interested in attending; you can also find these links in the complete program. Feel free to circulate these events within your networks too!
Opening Plenary and Reception: Listening in the Age of Polycrisis
Sponsored by the Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la diversité et la démocratie (CRIDAQ)
18h00, Centre des mémoires montréalaises Registration: https://simpli.events/e/9d8495
Public Day of Workshops and Talks, including the Oral History Book Launch (Limited spaces)
Co-sponsored by the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling and Concordia University’s Department of History
9h00 – 16h00, Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling Registration: https://simpli.events/e/a15396
Workshop: Push Play, A Participatory Workshop on Oral History and Play (Limited spaces)
16h00 – 17h30, Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling Registration: https://simpli.events/e/096005
Visit the event listing page to learn more about the symposium and the Kitchen Table Collective.
