This is the First Circular regarding the 2018 National Conference...In 2018, the conference will be presented in the north and the the organizing committee will consist of Anton van Vollenhoven, Leonie Marais-Botes, Estelle Pretorius and Annemarie Carelsen in conjunction with the personnel of the Pilgrim’s Rest Museum.

LOCATION: Pilgrim's Rest Mpumalanga (venue to be announced)

DATE: 25-27 May 2018

THEME: In 1718 the first machine gun was patented. This weapon was used with devastating consequences during the First World War that ended in 1918. In contrast to this, the well-known Christmas Carol ‘Silent Night’, was composedin 1818 and the former President of the RSA, Nelson Mandela, was born in 1918. The year of 1918, however, also sawthe outbreakof the Great Flu Epidemic that killed thousands ofpeople worldwide and in South Africa. Many other historical events can be linked to the date 2018.

The theme of the conference therefore is “the ritesof passage”. Traditionally the following is regarded as “the ritesof passage”:

• Birth and baptism;
• Courting and marriage; and
• Death and burial.

Almost any aspect of ordinary life can be linked to these three rites. War, for instance, is a period when many people die and illness (such as the flu epidemic) is also the cause of many deaths. The birth of Mr Mandela and the creation of the well-known carol can be linked to birth. Even politics are mouldedaccording to these rites.

Besides the conference theme, there will also be a session for those who wish to present their research results.

You are cordially invited to submit abstracts for papers to the selection committee. Submissions must include the title as well as a summary of the content of more or less 350 words. Please provide your full name, surname, title, address, e-mail address, land-line number and cell number. Abstracts should be submitted before 31 January 2018. Please forward them to Anton van Vollenhoven at antonv@archaetnos.co.za.

SASCH Conferences present forums where Cultural Historians and anybody interested in Cultural History and heritage conservation can discuss Cultural History, debate research and exchange ideas.

Furthermore, wonderful social get-togethers are guaranteed. In 2018, an evening function and interesting excursions are but some of the highlights attendees may look forward to.