Call for Proposals: Fifth Annual Midwestern History Conference
May 30-31, 2019
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, January 11, 2019 (non-negotiable)
The Midwestern History Association and the Hauenstein Center at Grand Valley State University invite proposals for papers to be delivered at the Fifth Annual Midwestern History Conference, to be held May 30-31, 2019 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This conference continues a discussion which has grown significantly over the last four years, at collaborative conferences designed to spark – and sustain – a revival of Midwestern studies in American historiography. Infused with the varieties of original research pursued by scholars from many different career paths and stages, this annual gathering strives to cultivate rigorous historical understanding of a complex, dynamic, changing, and often misunderstood region. Last year’s Midwestern History Conference attracted nearly 150 participants serving on more than more than forty panels. Keynote speakers at the Midwestern History Conference in previous years have included a National Book Award Finalist, a winner of the Francis Parkman Prize, and a past president of the Labor and Working Class History Association.
We welcome papers relating to all aspects of the history of the American Midwest, in all its diversity. Panel and roundtable proposals should be a maximum of 1,000 words. Individual paper proposals are also welcome, and should be a maximum of 300 words. All proposals must be accompanied by short vitas of the participants. All proposals must also contain contact information for every presenter included in the proposal.
Proposals should be sent to Scott St. Louis of Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center at [email protected].
The Midwestern History Association, created in the fall of 2014, is dedicated to rebuilding the field of Midwestern history, which has suffered from decades of neglect and inattention. The MHA advocates for greater attention to Midwestern history among professional historians, seeks to rebuild the infrastructure necessary for the study of the American Midwest, promotes greater academic discourse relating to Midwestern history, and offers prizes to scholars who excel in the study of the Midwest.
To become a member of the Midwestern History Association, please visit this page at the University of Nebraska Press. Members are added to an email list that provides access to news about upcoming conferences, calls for papers, and other proposals related to Midwestern history. Standard member dues are $40; the student rate is $20. The MHA also gladly accepts donations toward the cost of annual prizes and other expenses, as well.
Inspired by Ralph Hauenstein’s life of leadership and service, and based at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Hauenstein Center is dedicated to raising a community of ethical, effective leaders for the twenty-first century. Launched with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Center’s Common Ground Initiative engages leading scholars, writers, and public officials in conversations about the cultural, political, and intellectual challenges that Americans face.
As a proud partner of the Midwestern History Association, the Hauenstein Center is committed to supporting historical scholarship on the American Midwest. Bounded by the Great Plains and Great Lakes; known for agriculture and industry; for irenic countryside and great cities; labeled the Breadbasket, the Heartland, and the Rust Belt; the history of the Midwest – its peoples and places, cultures and conflicts, aspirations and afflictions – is the history of America’s most common ground.
Proposals are due no later than January 11, 2019.