Professor Joan Jensen, New Mexico State University, will deliver the keynote address, "Telling Stories, Keeping Secrets." In honor of Mary Neth's contributions to historical scholarship and to the RWSA, several sessions reflect her influence on the field of rural women's history. An evening program features her collaborator on the cultural history of tap dance, Ann Kilkelly, Virginia Tech University.

As with previous conferences, some sessions pay special attention to the past and present of our conference location. Best known as the home of the "Pennsylvania Amish" or "Pennsylvania Dutch," Lancaster County demonstrates in microcosm many of the issues facing rural women, men, and families today. There are also sessions that deal with diverse populations in the United States and throughout the world.

Finally, the conference includes participation by rural advocacy groups, agricultural extension professionals, and women egnaged in farming operations.