About the Institute:
In an era of increasing global interaction and interdependence, those concerned with the historical, geographical, and cultural dimensions of America are actively rethinking the geographical and chronological boundaries of their subject of study. A growing body of scholarship now prompts American historians to "look...beyond the official borders of the U.S. and back again." At the same time, world historians have been producing exciting transnational studies that connect America to other world regions.

With a view to internationalizing American history at the college level, this institute will bring together teachers and experts for four weeks at the Library of Congress. Using its unparalleled collections of American and global materials, they will explore individual research interests while developing curricular ideas and materials that will encourage students to become better citizens of an America faced with a multitude of global challenges and opportunities.

The institute will be directed by Carl Guarneri and John Gillis. Guarneri has been a prominent proponent of globalizing American history and is the editor of America Compared: American History in International Perspective. Gillis has written extensively on comparative and transnational themes, especially relating to the Atlantic world.

They will be joined by a distinguished guest faculty—Charles C. Mann, Elizabeth Mancke, Laurent DuBois, Eliga Gould, Donna Gabbacia, Paul Kramer, Penny Von Eshen, and Alan Dawley—all of whom have made important contributions to this emerging field.

We hope you can join us at the Library of Congress from June 16 to July 11 for this institute—four weeks of lectures, discussions, and workshops focused on both teaching and scholarship.We encourage applicants from all periods of American history and from those in other areas whose work is related to America. For complete information about the content of the institute, housing options, and applicant qualifications, please see the directors’ letter. A preliminary syllabus, biographies of the directors, and biographies of the guest speakers are also available.

To Apply:
After reading the directors’ letter, please print out and consult the application information and instructions for applying to participate in the institute. Applications should be postmarked no later than March 1, 2008, and must include:
A completed application cover sheet (this is a link at http://www.neh.gov/online/education/participants/ )
A detailed resume
Application essay
Two letters of recommendation (sent separately)

Applicants must submit three copies of the cover sheet, resume, application essay, and letters of recommendation ( can be sent in with the application in a sealed envelope that is signed across the back flip or sent separately). Paperclip (do not staple) each copy with materials arranged in this order and mail to: Miriam Hauss, Administrative Officer, National History Center, 400 A Street SE, Washington, DC 20003, or mhauss (at) historians (dot) org