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"Lost and Found: A Decade of the Midwestern History Conference"

The Midwestern History Association invites proposals for papers to be delivered at the Tenth Annual Midwestern History Conference, to be held May 30-31, 2024, at the Hauenstein Center at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

This year's conference theme recognizes the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Midwestern History Association and reflects on the conferences supported by the Hauenstein Center. The themes for the first five Midwestern History Conferences were variations on "Finding the Lost Region." Since then, the MHA and the MHC have promoted understanding the region’s diversity, complexity, and role in the broader nation. Building on these themes, we welcome papers relating to all aspects of the history of the American Midwest. We strongly encourage the use of visual aids, digital media, and interactive elements to be incorporated into panel presentations, making them as engaging as possible.

Proposals for panel and roundtables are encouraged, with a moderator and/or chair, 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 and contain contact information for every presenter included in the proposal.

In an effort to promote scholarly conversation and collaboration, the MHA and the Hauenstein Center will limit participants to delivering either a single paper or presentation. Serving as a panelist for a group discussion will be considered the equivalent of delivering a paper or presentation. Participants; however, may also serve as chair and/or commentator for one additional session. Proposals should include new research or innovative interpretations and should avoid substantially repeating the contents of presentations the scholar has previously made at the Midwestern History Conference.
In addition to welcoming proposals from scholars affiliated with colleges and universities, the MHA encourages proposals from public historians, students, and independent scholars. Successful proposals should demonstrate sound historical methods and professional research.

Proposals should be submitted via email to midwesternhistory@gmail.com

Participants in the conference are encouraged to become members of the Midwestern History Association. Created in the fall of 2014, the MHA is dedicated to rebuilding the field of Midwestern History, which had 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 contact the University of Nebraska Press at the link below:
https://nebraskapressjournals.unl.edu/society/midwestern-history-association/

Members can receive a subscription to Middle West Review, the association’s journal of record. Members are also added to an email list that provides access to news about upcoming conferences, calls for papers, and other proposals related to Midwestern history.

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.

While this will be our final year in partnership with the Hauenstein Center in Grand Rapids, we are grateful for their support and look forward to making the 10th conference the best yet. As the MHA plans for the future and the continuation of the conference, we are asking members and supporters to help us by completing this (5-10 minute) survey. Please skip any questions or options that are not applicable, and drag and drop responses that request ratings. 

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 (non-negotiable) 

Please direct all questions or inquiries to: midwesternhistory@gmail.com 

Conference Hotel: The Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown. The MHA has secured a limited number rooms at a discounted price ($189/night for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday nights).

To book:

https://book.passkey.com/event/50710370/owner/3365238/home?utm_campaign=293063425

Photo by Joshua Young on Flickr