During the nineteenth century, increased production, colonial expansion and unstable economic conditions fueled competition among nations for commercial and cultural dominance. Exhibitions, world's fairs and contests developed as important venues for displaying prowess in commercial, athletic and cultural arenas while promoting the pride and identity of nations. New publications, such as The Illustrated London News, provided coverage of contemporary events and revealed unfamiliar places, peoples and customs to readers living in an age of heightened curiosity and rapid transformation.

Abstracts for papers are encouraged on the themes identified and on all aspects of cultural change within the long nineteenth century. Papers are limited to twenty minutes. Proposals should include a one-page, single-spaced abstract (12 point font), with the title of the paper and author as heading, and a one-to two-page vita, including the name, mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address of the author/presenter. Proposals will be accepted by mail or e-mail but must arrived by October 1, 2003 and should be sent to the address below.

The conference will be held in St. Louis, MO and will celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark Expedition, the 100th Anniversary of the St. Louis World's Fair and 1904 Olympics, and the 25th Anniversary of NCSA. Dr. Robert M. Craig will serve as Local Arrangement Chair, in association with William Seibert, member of Landmarks Association of St. Louis. The Conference will be held at the Westin St. Louis at Cupples Station, a AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel which occupies four adaptively reused 19th-century warehouses located within walking distance of the St. Louis Arch. The Metrolink stop from the airport is right at the doorstep of the hotel. Inquiries concerning local arrangements (hotel, travel, etc.) should be forwarded to Prof. Robert Craig, College of Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0155. E-mail is preferred: rob.craig@arch.gatech.edu