Call for Papers
Race and Ethnicity in the Nineteenth Century
28th Annual Conference of the Nineteenth-Century Studies Association (NCSA)
Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, March 8-10, 2007

We invite submission of papers and panel proposals that explore all aspects of race and ethnicity in the 19th century, from all disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives. Topics might connect race and ethnicity with social identity or social control; with land use, ecology, city planning or industrialism; with emigration and immigration patterns; with aesthetics or with the sciences; with gender and sexuality. The organizers encourage the broadest interpretation of the topic, and the widest application to cultural phenomena.

The wealth of racial and ethnic history in Pennsylvania’s Central Susquehanna Valley will provide an excellent backdrop for internationally-ranging discussions. Fergus Bordewich, author of Bound for Canaan: The Underground Railroad and the War for the Soul of America (2005 Amistad), will present the first public lecture; the second public lecture will focus on race, religion, and the legacy of Joseph Priestley. Karen James of the PA Historical and Museum Commission will anchor a roundtable discussion on research methods for recovering African American involvement in the Underground Railroad. Speakers and local experts will lead special tours of Underground Railroad sites and 19th-century town planning and architecture, including buildings of Joseph Priestley, Thomas Edison, and Eli Slifer.

Proposals should consist of a one-page, single-spaced abstract (12-point font), with the title of the paper and author as heading; the paper MUST be able to be presented within 20 minutes. Proposals should be accompanied by a one- to two-page vita. Please send materials or inquiries to the Conference Organizer, Drew Hubbell hubbell@susqu.edu. The DEADLINE for submissions is Nov. 1, 2006.

Information about registration, transportation, and accommodations will be available in the Fall.