Mark has many ideas about ways to enliven his term as JWHA President. Watch this page in coming days for upcoming Presidential Messages. Mark's first message focuses on the state of JWHA.
Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution of the United States requires the President to provide Congress information on the State of the Union. The first address of the recently inaugurated president traditionally launches their administration. So observing that fine tradition (but without the pomp and circumstance) let me use this brief essay to launch my term as your president.
I am happy to report that the condition of our association is on a sound financial footing. This conclusion is based on the recently performed audit of our investment portfolio and accounting practices. Some minor recommendations have already been instituted and will remedy some small loopholes. Although not unscathed, we have weathered the difficult economic climate rather well. The transitions of leadership in the positions of the President, Executive Secretary, and Journal Editor have gone smoothly as each officer is in place and fully functioning in their responsibility. Our membership continues to grow at a healthy rate. Our future is a bright one.
Now let me share some personal observations about JWHA. Based on nearly a decade of engagement in the life of the John Whitmer Historical Association, I have noticed a positive trend away from a climate of harsh personal critique toward one that is far more collegial. Because of this trend we have promoted, and greatly benefited from, research and writings of historians who are no longer intimidated by the peer review process. No longer is there the feeling that a member must "check his/her credentials at the door." Rather, there is an expanded awareness that the success of our association is based on the solid contributions of a broad spectrum of opinions rather than a dependence on the contributions of just a few. This trend demonstrates that, as an association, we are strong in character and respectful of each person's contribution. We have maintained high scholarly standards and have created a forum for historical discussions that do not shy away from institutional bias or result in predictable conclusions.
After the 2002 Conference in Nauvoo, I sensed a momentum within the association that grew from the high quality of the paper presentations, the historic setting, and the rising tide of interest from the non-affiliated history community. In preparation for that conference our decision makers established a calendar that included an extra day to accommodate the increased number of historians who wanted to share their research findings. For those courageous conference planners (I was not one of them) adding the extra day was a huge risk, but the membership responded enthusiastically, setting a record number of participants. This sent a resounding message that we should continue this conference calendar. Expanding the program by a third had a liberating effect when the flood of paper proposals for the 2003 Excelsior Springs/Far West program began appearing before the Program Committee.
From the strength of the last two years, we should not be surprised that the momentum has continued, but there is much still to do. As president I recommend the following actions we all can take. First, spread the word far and wide about our association. We have a lot to offer the church and non-affiliated history communities. We are moving into diverse historical arenas ranging far beyond archival research to include historic site preservation and archeological exploration. These messages, and our achievements, need to be heard. Second, answer the call for papers for our 2004 Conference in Council Bluffs/Omaha. Jan Shipps, our distinguished Program Chair and President-elect, has announced "The Place of Decision: The Spatial and Metaphorical Geography of the Restoration" as our conference theme. Third, plan on attending the 2004 JWHA Spring Banquet in Independence, Missouri, on Saturday evening, March 27th. Anthropologist Thomas W. Murphy will be the guest speaker and will discuss his controversial genetic findings in "Sin, Skin, and Seed: Mistakes of Men in the Book of Mormon." Finally, share with a JWHA Council member any recommendations you might have that will make us a better association. Let us know how we can accommodate your needs.
Let me conclude with my hopes for a prosperous 2003-2004 year. It is an honor to serve as your association president.
mscherer@CofChrist.org
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