The Ohio Valley History Conference began in October 1984 at Western Kentucky University. Meeting annually, the OVHC originally rotated among three Kentucky universities: Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, and Murray State University, in Murray. In 1997, the OVHC expanded to include two Tennessee institutions, Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, and Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. Coordinated by the host university and typically meeting the third weekend in October, the OVHC accepts scholarly individual and group proposals on all areas of history. Proposals for complete sessions normally consist of two or three papers on related subjects, with a chairperson and a discussant. The initial conference in 1984 consisted of eighteen sessions, and for most of the 1980s, panels numbered in the mid-to-upper twenties. During the 1990s, as the prestige of the conference grew, sessions increased in number and variety to the upper thirties. In 1993 the Society for Military History began holding concurrent sessions with the OVHC, adding significantly to the growth of the conference, and in 1997 the conference at Austin Peay State University reached forty sessions.
    Though primarily a "regional" conference, the OVHC from the onset attracted national interest and participation. In addition to regional universities, the 1984 conference included scholars from Boston College, St. Olaf College, Abilene Christian University, and Albion College. Ten years later scholars participating from "beyond the region" came from the Air Force Academy, Miami University, West Virginia University, and Lander University.
    The Friday night banquet is the highlight of the OVHC and has been the scene of some of the organization's most memorable moments. Few will forget John David Smith's 1993 address. After repeated flight delays and a record-breaking drive from Nashville to Bowling Green in a Toyota MR-2, Smith delivered a thought-provoking speech on "Local Black History Research," sparking a lively audience discussion. A sobering assessment of the future of our profession, "The Historian Humbly Declines to Have a Nice Day," was the subject of Michael C.C. Adams' 1994 speech at Eastern Kentucky. At Murray State University Charles P. Roland in 1995 delivered a no-holds-barred, rollicking, common-soldier "romp" across Europe during World War II. And no one in attendance will forget James C. Cobb's hilarious but insightful 1996 address, "Searching for Southernness: Community and Identity in the Contemporary South," which had the audience "rolling in the aisles."
    As the OVHC looks to the future, we invite proposals in all branches of our discipline as well as topics which address problems in our profession. The OVHC operates on the principle of small registration fees and reasonable accommodations. The registration fee, currently $40.00, includes receptions and the Friday night banquet. We can promise always a convivial group and enjoyable, interesting conference sessions. Come join us!