Our theme this year will focus on the wide varieties of Civil War leadership. Leadership may take many forms, including Confederate or Union military leadership on the part of officers, soldiers, or irregulars. It may also include political leadership within the wide array of Northern and Southern governments, leadership from both politicians and parties, in support of or in opposition to the war. The theme also certainly extends to include social leadership, the activities of men and women in areas including home front and home guard, anti-slavery and black enlistment, religion, civilian organizations for the support of soldiers, as well as for their post-war commemoration.

Our Keynote Speaker this year will be Professor Joan Waugh (UCLA), author and co-author of several books, including her forthcoming U.S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth (October, UNC Press).

Submissions are invited to interpret the theme broadly, and proposals on all aspects of the Civil War are welcome. Proposals may be for complete panels or individual papers, and we encourage individuals of all ranks – from established scholars to graduate students – to submit. Please send your proposal, including an abstract and c.v., to John Neff, Center for Civil War Research, Department of History, 322 Bishop, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38655 (or alternately jneff@olemiss.edu). Submissions must be received, via mail or electronically, by September 1 to receive full consideration.