Dear Colleagues,

I want to thank you for submitting your work or otherwise committing to be part of our annual Western History Association meeting in October in downtown Los Angeles. All of us who are working to make this meeting a great success realize, at the end of the day, that it is the strength and vitality of the program that makes all the difference. I know I speak for the entire organization in saying just how excited we are to welcome everyone to Los Angeles.

As you may know, we haven’t met in L.A. for decades. All the more reason why I – and so many others – are so looking forward to our time together across October 25^th to the 28^th.

On the one hand, this message is designed to encourage you all to follow through on your program commitment, lest the organization take any fiscal hits for tech fees or hotel attrition. But what’s even more important is to note that your participation, in whatever form, adds to the vitality of our organization and our shared community. Each and every participant makes an impact on the organization and our collective commitment to furthering knowledge about the history and culture of the American West.

I look forward to welcoming you and your ideas to the City of Angels.

With all best wishes,

Bill Deverell