VAF

The Vernacular Architecture Forum is the premier organization in North America studying ordinary buildings and landscapes. It was established in 1979 to promote appreciation and scholarship of vernacular structures. VAF is an interdisciplinary organization composed of scholars from many fields, including history, architectural history, geography, anthropology, sociology, landscape history, historic preservation, and material culture studies.

Our membership is open to all interested individuals and organizations. Members have access to special content including a membership directory and forum. Becoming a member of VAF or renewing existing membership is easily done. If you are already a member, login.

Announcements

A message from the President

27 Oct 2023 10:37 AM • Michelle Jones
VAN Editor Position Anouncement

27 Oct 2023 8:54 AM • Michelle Jones
VAF Website Editor Announcement

27 Oct 2023 8:50 AM • Michelle Jones
VAF’s Mellon-Funded Field Schools Are Thriving in the Program’s Second Year (by Louis Nelson)

26 Oct 2023 11:30 AM • Michelle Jones

Upcoming Events

VAF 2024 Keweenaw Ala Carte

12 Jun 2024 • Houghton, MI

VAF Treasurer: Call for Applications or Nominations

The nominating committee of the Vernacular Architecture Forum (VAF) is seeking applications or nominations for VAF Treasurer. The treasurer plays an important role in helping shape the present and future of our financially secure organization. The position begins in June 2024.

The VAF Treasurer is a member of the VAF Board of Directors and one of five members of the VAF Executive Committee (which also includes the president, secretary, first vice president, and second vice president). The treasurer is also responsible for maintaining oversight of VAF’s finances throughout the year and is supported by the VAF Finance Committee, the VAF Board of Directors, and a certified public accountant and bookkeeper–both of whom are under contract. Specific responsibilities include balancing and reconciling accounts; writing checks; drafting annual operating budgets; and running financial reports. We are currently using “QuickBooks Online” accounting software, which can be learned quickly. Our current treasurer will provide guidance and assistance to the new treasurer during a transition period.

As a member of the VAF Executive Committee, the VAF Treasurer is expected to attend monthly virtual meetings. As a member of the VAF Board of Directors, the VAF Treasurer is also expected to attend three board meetings during the calendar year (remote meetings in fall and winter and an in-person meeting during our annual conference in late spring). The current term for VAF Treasurer is five years, but we are proposing a three-year term for the position and expect to have our proposal ratified in June. We look forward to receiving your applications.

For both applications and nominations, please send a 1-2 page CV and a paragraph or brief letter expressing your interest (or the candidates’ interest) to Phil Gruen at jpgruen[at]wsu.edu on or before May 1, 2024. Candidates must be members of the Vernacular Architecture Forum by the time of appointment.