Call for Proposals

The Society is currently accepting proposals for sessions in its 2020-2021 series. Most sessions focus on the discussion of a paper (20-40 pages) distributed to seminar registrants approximately three weeks before the program. Authors must have their papers ready for circulation at this time. The essayist and an assigned commentator will each have an opportunity for remarks before the discussion is opened to the floor. Sessions are followed by a reception with light refreshments that offers further time for networking.

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. Finally, please specify which of our seven series would best suit your presentation. The steering committee will consider all proposals for the available session slots, and proposers will be notified by mid-May.

Please submit your proposals by April 1, 2020, to research@masshist.org.

The Seven Series

Boston-Area Seminar on Digital History Projects

The Boston-Area Seminar on Digital History Projects will introduce 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.

Boston Seminar on African American History

The Boston Seminar on African American History is an occasion for scholars as well as interested members of the public to discuss aspects of African-American history from the colonial era to the present day. This series offers programs that intersect with multiple fields and engage scholars working in various disciplines. Co-sponsored by the College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Pauline Maier Early American History Seminar

The Pauline Maier Early American History Seminar Series provides a forum for local scholars as well as members of the general public to discuss all aspects of North American history and culture from the first European colonization to the early republic. Programs are not confined to Massachusetts topics.

Boston Seminar on Environmental History

The Boston Seminar on Environmental History is an occasion for scholars as well as interested members of the public to discuss aspects of American environmental history from prehistory to the present day. Presenters come from a variety of disciplines including history, urban planning, and environmental management.

Boston Seminar on Modern American Society and Culture

The Boston Seminar on Modern American Society and Culture provides a setting for local scholars as well as members of the general public to discuss all aspects of American culture, immigration, and urban history from the nineteenth century to the present day. Programs may address multiple historical subfields and are not confined to Massachusetts topics.

Boston Seminar on the History of Women, Gender, & Sexuality

The Boston Seminar on the History of Women, Gender, & Sexuality invites scholars and students to meet periodically and discuss new research. Sessions may consider any aspect of the history of women, gender, and sexuality without chronological limitations.

New England Biography Series

The New England Biography Series is a forum for writers and readers alike to engage in an ongoing discussion about the historical, literary, and methodological questions that make biography a challenging and rewarding undertaking. Leading authors of the genre will offer their insights and inspiration. This seminar features roundtable discussions rather than focusing on pre-circulated papers.

How to Attend

RSVP required. Register through our Calendar of Events and you will receive the session's discussion paper the day before the seminar.  Drop in on one or more individual sessions, or become a more active participant by subscribing to a series. Seminar series carry an optional modest subscription fee that helps support the series and provides special advance access to any pre-circulated materials. Attendance is free and open to all!

Join the mailing list today by emailing seminars@masshist.org.

Questions? Email seminars@masshist.org.

Are you interested in presenting?

Each winter, seminar organizers issue a Call for Proposals in order to fill a limited number of session slots in several of the seminar series. The annual deadline is 15 March for the sessions that will take place in the following academic year. If you would like to receive the CFP and are not on our mailing list, email seminars@masshist.org.