I’ve attended many tech events the past few years, and one thing continually strikes me: a lack of public historians.

There are always attorneys and policy analysts. Activists, too. Sometimes there are philosophers or ethicists. Rarely, if ever, are historians invited.

That changes the next two weeks. I’m headed to New York to bring public history and history communication into the conversation about tech, social media and tech policy, building off the success of my book.

A Species Between Worlds

On Thursday, September 29 at 6 p.m., I’ll be joining Jonathan Haidt (4-time TED speaker) and Sinead Bovell (U.N. ITU adviser) for a special conversation titled, “Information Overload: Crisis of Social Media.” This unique event is hosted by A Species Between Worlds, a month-long art installation at New York’s Skylight Modern gallery in Chelsea. The event is free and open to the public, however seating is limited. RSVP here if you’d like to attend.

Responsible Tech Guide

Also this week, our friends at All Tech is Human released their new "Responsible Tech Guide.” I’m very honored to be featured along with experts from Microsoft, YouTube, Obsidian, Booz Allen, The New York Times and more:

Here’s my pull quote from the report, which I whole-heartedly believe:

The Responsible Tech Guide is a terrific compilation of resources, careers, and community members working to make tech more responsible and ethical. You can download the full report from the All Tech is Human website—and you can help by insisting that historians and humanities scholars be included in the conversations.

Unfinished Live

Long-time subscribers will remember that last year I hosted an episode of “History Club” from the inaugural Unfinished Live tech festival. This year, Unfinished Live returns with two days of panels and talks, being held September 22 - 23 at The Shed in Hudson Yards. I’ll be there listening, learning and connecting (no live podcast this year). Please come by and say hello! Let’s connect in person and figure out how to introduce more historical perspective into tech.

More updates from New York. In the meantime, have a safe and historically-informed week.

-JS

History Club

Live, from New York! (tech edition)