Title — Independent Scholars and Independent Scholarship in History

This will be a traditional panel session that explores and highlights the role of independent scholars in history, before professional intellectual and scholarly activity became the almost exclusive province of universities. Although this panel is fairly broad in scope (and therefore may become more than one panel), we would especially be seeking papers that focus on European and U.S. History, though proposals from other geographical regions are also welcome. Chronologically, the focus would be from the Middle Ages to the mid-Twentieth century, but examples from earlier periods are also welcome. Possible topics could include the following: Sponsorship and Scholarship: The Role of Church and Crown in creating Intellectuals; Beyond Class: Public Intellectuals as Movers and Shakers; Before University Research Labs: Re-examining Independent Scholarship in the Sciences.

Please submit proposals (abstract and a brief CV) to nbdncis@gmail.com by April 25, 2011. Panel participation is open to Independent Scholars, with preference given to NCIS and NCIS affiliate members. All participants MUST be REGISTERED to attend the AHA Annual Meeting if they wish to take advantage of the substantially discounted room rates.