Society of Civil War Historians

The Society of Civil War Historians will hold its first biennial meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from June 15 through June 17, 2008. This will be the first time I am attending a strictly Civil War convention, and it should prove to be a very interesting experience. The conference features a, “who’s who” of Civil War historians with Mark E. Neely Jr. giving the opening night address and Gary Gallagher hosting a roundtable discussion on the state of civil war military history. Presentations range from military to social topics, as well as, political and religious aspects of the war. The line up of panelists presenting in Philadelphia is, perhaps, only rivaled by the Southern Historical Association’s annual meeting.

The mission of the society is to encourage scholarly activity and academic exchange among historians, graduate students, and professionals who interpret history in museums, national parks, archives, and other public facilities. Student membership is only $25.00, which includes a subscription to Civil War History, the preeminent scholarly journal of the war. I haven’t decided which lectures I will be attending yet but will post my impressions when I return.

There is still time to register. Hope to see you there.

http://scwh.la.psu.edu/index.shtml