When it originally launched in 2000, Commonplace was one of the first entirely digital publications dedicated to early American history. We have grown and changed since then and have recently concluded Phase One of a project to adopt a fresh, accessible interface and new URL (commonplace.online). After migrating our entire 20 year back catalog to the new site and navigating the realities of the Covid-19 era, we are excited to begin Phase Two of our reimagined publication. During this next phase, we are moving from revitalizing the back catalog to publishing new material over the next year. Commonplace is a destination for exploring and exchanging ideas about early American history and culture before 1900 and is sponsored by the Omohundro Institute and American Antiquarian Society. A bit less formal than a scholarly journal, a bit more scholarly than a popular magazine, our articles appear on a rolling basis and are arranged by category instead of being organized by issue and volume.

Commonplace is now accepting submissions of approximately 2000 words that analyze vast early America before 1900. We seek a diverse range of articles on material and visual culture, critical reviews of books, films, and digital humanities projects, poetic research and fiction, pedagogy, and the historian’s craft. We are especially interested in deep reads of individual objects, images, or documents (including in the collection of the American Antiquarian Society). Submissions should be written in an accessible style and crafted for a wide audience. Article reviews will begin on April 1. Inquiries and submissions can be made to [email protected]. More information about Commonplace and our contributor style sheet is available at http://commonplace.online/about/.

As part of our relaunch, we are seeking applications and nominations for individuals interested in joining our new editorial board. This board will make publication and strategy decisions to shape the future of Commonplace and reflect our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. In addition to ex officio members Karin Wulf (OI) and Scott Casper (AAS), we are seeking 8-10 potential board members who will volunteer up to five hours a month of their time including a manuscript review. Please submit applications and nominations, including a DEI statement and a list of three fields of expertise to [email protected]. More information about Commonplace is available at http://commonplace.online/about/.

As we move forward, we are also looking to hire someone with copy-editing skills and experience with digital humanities initiatives. Experience with Wordpress is preferable. This person will help ready submissions for publication; over time, we expect this position to evolve and include an opportunity for editorial responsibilities. This position will be compensated for up to 10 hours a month. Submit your application including a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement at [email protected]. More information about Commonplace is available at http://commonplace.online/about/.

This call is also posted at http://commonplace.online/article/submissions-applications/