The Twenty-Ninth Annual Midwest Victorian Studies Association meeting will be held in Chicago once again. In keeping with its long interdisciplinary and inclusive tradition, MVSA will feature papers of an interdisciplinary nature, dealing with many aspects of Victorian visual and aural culture.

Our keynote speaker will be Elaine Hadley, from the University of Chicago, author of Melodramatic Tactics (1995), speaking about “Orating Character: The Dilemma of Liberal Democracy.” As always, music and art will figure prominently throughout the two days, including a musical demonstration of the many musical interpretations of “Tennyson’s “Crossing the Bar” and a film presentation of “Queen Victoria as Movie Star.”

Held at the historic Omni Ambassador East Hotel in downtown Chicago, it should be an aesthetically engaging conference and we invite all members and prospective members to attend, whether presenting or not. Victorian scholars studying and working in the midwestern United States are encouraged to join us at MVSA, and to make a home in this distinguished scholarly organization.

Graduate students are especially welcome as attendees at MVSA conferences, where they will find a stimulating and collegial atmosphere, and conference fees are adjusted to make attendance more affordable.