The Society for the History of Technology was formed in 1958 to encourage the study of the development of technology and its relations with society and culture.
An interdisciplinary organization, SHOT is concerned not only with the history of technological devices and processes but also with technology in history—that is, the relationship of technology to politics, economics, science, the arts, and the organization of production, and with the role it plays in the differentiation of individuals in society. Not least, it is concerned with interpretive flexibility, the conception that beliefs about whether a technology "works" are contingent on the expectations, needs, and ideologies of those who interact with it.
SHOT members represent a wide range of disciplines and professions, from history and the humanities to engineering and science, and come from some thirty-five countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Search for new secretary and new treasurer
SHOT is now seeking candidates to fill the post of secretary and the post of treasurer. The new secretary will serve a term starting in January, 2009, to December, 2011 (with the option of extension). The new treasurer will serve a term starting in January 2009, to December, 2010 (with the option of renewal). Both posts involve serious responsibility but also offer an exciting chance to help shape the future of SHOT and contribute substantially to our discipline and the success of our annual meetings. SHOT offers some support for both posts (including paying for a part-time secretarial office manager).Candidates for the secretary's position should submit a letter of interest (about 2 pages) along with names and contact information for three references to Ed Russell <russell@virginia.edu>, chair of the secretary's search committee, by April 1. Download a description of the secretary's job (Word doc). Candidates for the treasurer's position should submit a letter of interest (about 2 pages) along with names and contact information for three references to Arne Kaijser <arnek@kth.se>, chair of the treasurer's search committee, by April 15. Download a description of the treasurer's job (Word doc).