The conference seeks to cultivate and promote the rich history of Baltimore City.  Neighborhoods play a complex role in Baltimore's past and present and illustrate the struggles and rewards of building a sense of community within an urban space. Programming features two panel discussions and two presentations on recent work that preserves and commemorates the complicated history of Baltimore.  The conference's speakers range from local academics to representatives from city organizations for heritage and preservation to community activists.

It will feature the announcement of the winner of the 2011 Joseph Arnold Prize for Outstanding Writing on Baltimore History and the award of the prize generously provided by the Byrnes Family.