CFP: Creating, Displaying, and Revising American Identity

The Department of History at West Chester University invites proposals for Creating, Displaying, and Revising American Identity, the 2nd Annual West Chester University One-Day History Conference on Thursday, October 23, 2014.

This year’s theme has been inspired by the 200th anniversary of Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner” and the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of American History. Both the anthem and the museum’s exhibits and collections represent efforts to define—sometimes controversially—the meaning of  “American.”   

We invite proposals that focus on the symbols, objects, values, beliefs, and behaviors that have been used to define some version of an American identity as well as those that examine efforts to reshape, extend, or interrogate various interpretations and expressions of American identity.

The Program Committee is interested in any topic addressing this general theme.  Topics can be as diverse as tourist souvenirs, scenic wallpaper, landscapes and historic sites,  historical collecting and display, paper money/coinage & stamps, passports, diplomacy, citizenship vs. the alien and un-American, art & architecture, the expression of local & regional cultures, flag burning, foodways, the practice of medicine,  literature, or representations of “American” by other cultures.

Academics, archivists, public historians, graduate students, and independent scholars are invited to submit a 500-750 word abstract and brief CV in a single Word attachment to akrulikowski@wcupa.edu.  Strong upper-level undergrads (w/professor recommendation) also encouraged.  Deadline for submission is August 1, 2014.

This conference is free and open to the public; pre-registration is welcome.