Professors Dietrich Neumann and Itohan Osayimwese are local co-chairs for the annual Society of Architectural Historians Conference taking place in Providence from April 24-28, 2019. Architectural historians, art historians, architects, museum professionals, and preservationists from around the world will convene to present new research on the history of the built environment and explore the architecture and landscape of Providence and nearby areas. Professors Neumann, Osayimwese and department graduate and undergraduate students will be involved in public programs, talks, and tours about architecture in Providence.

Itohan Osayimwese will host a tour that focuses on the design-related work of women in Rhode Island from the late 19th century to the present day, exploring how women—as individuals and in collectives—practiced design in ways that were often oriented toward social progress and change. Women fulfilled an array of important roles as activists, entrepreneurs, inventors, and leaders. In confronting expectations of domesticity in a patriarchal society, these women gained recognition within their communities and took on an active role in changing their communities for the better. She is offering this tour in connection with her Engaged Scholars class, called "Telling Her Story, Women Designers in Rhode Island."  The conference will also feature an architectural tour of the Brown University campus,  led Raymond P. Rhinehart, Hon. AIA, Author of the Brown University Campus Guide. Online registration is closed but the public is welcome to register at the Rhode Island Convention Center. All tours will depart from the ground floor lobby of the Rhode Island Convention Center (1 Sabin St, Providence). Discussion about the campus guides and a reception will take place in List Art Building room 120 on April 26 at 5:30pm.