Centennial Artifacts

As ACTE prepares to celebrate its Centennial at CareerTech VISION 2026 in New Orleans, we invite YOU—our members, partners, and friends of CTE—to help us honor this milestone by sharing historical artifacts that reflect our shared legacy.

Do You Have a Piece of ACTE History?

We’re looking for tangible items that tell the story of ACTE (formerly AVA) and the evolution of Career and Technical Education over the past century. These could include:

  • Vintage tools, equipment, or instructional materials
  • Historical photographs or documents
  • Commemorative items, awards, or memorabilia
  • Publications, uniforms, or symbolic objects

Whether you’re an individual member, a state association, or a partner organization, your contributions can help bring our history to life!

How to Participate

Submit your artifact proposal using our online form. You’ll be asked to provide:

  • A description and photo of the item
  • Its dimensions and weight
  • Its historical significance
  • Your willingness to bring it to VISION 2026 or coordinate shipping

Selected items will be featured in a curated display at the Centennial Celebration. ACTE will make every effort to protect items on display, but please note that ACTE cannot insure against damage or loss. All loans are made with the understanding that the owner assumes risk.

Not Attending VISION?

No problem! We’re working on logistics to receive and return items from contributors who cannot attend in person. Let us know in the form, and we’ll coordinate with you.

Submit Your Artifact

Visit ACTEonline.org/CentennialArtifacts or email us at ACTECentennial@acteonline.org to learn more and submit your item.

Let’s celebrate our past and inspire the future—together.

ACTE Centennial Historical Artifacts Showcase Guidelines

In honor of ACTE’s 100-year anniversary, ACTE invites nominations for tangible historical artifacts to be featured in a special showcase at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION Conference. This showcase will celebrate the rich legacy of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in the United States since 1926 and highlight significant milestones and memories from our past.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Artifacts should be physical, tangible items with clear historical significance to the field of career and technical education or ACTE’s history.
  • Ideal artifacts include, but are not limited to:
    • Commemorative items (e.g., Region V Cowbell)
    • Books, manuals, or instructional materials from early or mid-20th century
    • Historical photos (originals preferred, high-quality reproductions accepted)
    • Tools, equipment, or memorabilia related to CTE
  • Digital documents (articles, newspaper clippings, etc.) may be submitted for archival purposes but typically will not be featured physically in the showcase.

Nomination Process

  1. Nomination Submission:
    1. Submit nominations online via the ACTE Centennial Showcase nomination form.
    2. Include a clear photo and description of the artifact, including the approximate dimensions of the item(s).
    3. Provide historical context and the artifact’s significance to CTE or ACTE history.
  2. Review and Selection:
    1. Nominations will be reviewed by the ACTE Centennial Committee.
    2. Selection criteria include historical relevance, uniqueness, condition, and display ability.
  3. Notification and Confirmation:
    1. Selected nominees will be notified approximately six weeks before ACTE’s 2026 CareerTech VISION Centennial.
    2. Selected nominators will receive detailed instructions for delivering their artifact.
  4. Artifact Delivery and Display:
    1. Selected artifacts must be physically delivered to ACTE staff at the designated drop-off location at CareerTech VISION 2026.
    2. Delivery window: Items will be accepted on-site at the New Orleans Convention Center beginning on Monday November 30 at 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Tuesday December 1.
    3. Clearly label your artifact with your name and contact information.
    4. ACTE will display artifacts securely, providing clear labeling and protective measures.
  5. Artifact Collection Post-Showcase:
    1. Artifacts must be picked up by nominators or designated representatives at the close of CareerTech VISION.
    2. Specific pick-up instructions and timing will be communicated upon artifact acceptance.

Important Considerations:

  • ACTE will exercise utmost care in handling and protecting artifacts but ultimately not responsible for loss or damage.
  • By submitting nominations, nominators grant ACTE permission to photograph and publicize artifacts for promotional purposes related to the Centennial Celebration.
  • Questions: Please email actecentennial@acteonline.org

Submit your artifact nomination form here.