The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) is accepting proposals for the 2021-2022 academic year. We invite proposals (500 words) and CVs from interested researchers. Please indicate when your paper can be available for distribution, as well as your preference (fall or spring) based on when the seminar’s feedback would be helpful to you. Advise us of any special scheduling conditions, such as a planned trip to Boston or an extended period when you cannot make a presentation. Papers must be works in progress of article or chapter lengtth (20-40 pages) and must be made available three weeks prior to the seminar date. Sessions may take place virtually, in person, or in a hybrid format as conditions allow.Please submit your proposals by 9 April 2021 to research@masshist.org. The steering committees will consider all proposals for the available session slots, and proposers will be notified by early summer.
The MHS organizes seven seminar series that operate from September to May. These sessions bring together a diverse group of scholars and interested members of the public to workshop a pre-circulated paper. After brief remarks from the author and an assigned commentator, the discussion is opened to the floor. All are encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback on the circulated essay, and discuss the topic at hand. Our sessions are free and open to everyone.The following seminar series are accepting proposals:
The Shapiro Digital History Seminar introduces audiences to the inner workings of in-progress projects that depend on digital methods, such as the translation of analog primary sources to a digital format, the use of computational tools for research and analysis of historical data, and the creation of “publications” in any form of digital media to communicate with audiences. The series emphasizes engagement with archival source materials, and presentations include works intended for academic scholarship and/or for public history.
The Environmental History Seminar invites proposals on any aspect of American environmental history. In the past, contributions have addressed: land and water use, fisheries, climate and weather, transportation policy, public health, epistemology, vegetation change, and natural disasters. Papers comparing the American experience with developments elsewhere in the world are also welcome.
The Pauline Maier Early American History Seminar invites papers focusing on any aspect of American history and culture from the era of first contact through the 1820s. Papers comparing the American experience with developments elsewhere in the world are welcome, as are cross-disciplinary studies.
The History of Women, Gender, & Sexuality Seminar invites proposals addressing all aspects of the history of women, gender, and sexuality in the United States. Cross-disciplinary projects and projects comparing the American experience with that in other parts of the world are also welcomed.
The African American History Seminar invites proposals focusing on any aspect of African American history and culture from the era of first contact through the present day. Papers comparing the American experience with developments elsewhere in the world are welcome, as are cross-disciplinary studies.
The The Dina G. Malgeri Modern American Society and Culture Seminar invites proposals focusing on any aspect of American history from the 1870s through the twentieth century. Contributions might address political culture and the state; technological change; political economy, labor, and capital; immigration; the family; urban, suburban, and rural change; race and ethnicity; religion; and high and low culture, sports, and leisure. Papers comparing the American experience with developments elsewhere in the world are welcome, as are cross-disciplinary studies.
Contact Email: research@masshist.org