I am trying to organize a panel on the topic of "civic narrative," that is, stories that are produced and reproduced by or about some aspect of formal governance. The possibilities of such a topic are broad; by way of example, such a panel might address questions such as how have narratives constructed by civic pageants, political advertisements, popular film and fiction, or governmental investigatory bodies such as the "truth commissions" in South Africa and Kosovo shaped public meanings, influenced policy outcomes, or mediated relationships between citizens and the state? I am a historian of the early 20th century U.S., and seek co-panelists from all geographic areas/time periods.

If you might be interested in participating in such a panel, please contact Liette Gidlow.