In conjunction with the 300th anniversary of the founding of Natchez, Mississippi, the Southern Jewish Historical Society will hold its 41st annual conference there on November 3-6, 2016. The theme will be “Jews in the Southern Hinterland,” exploring the experience of Jews living in the smaller cities and rural areas of the South. Possible topics might relate to the creation and development of Jewish communities in hinterland areas, Jews’ economic role and connection to regional and national trading networks, Jewish religiosity and religious practices in context of the small-town South, cultural assimilation to southern mores, including notions of race and civil rights, and the impact of recent demographic changes on small southern Jewish communities. Comparative studies of Jews with other southern ethnic groups are especially welcome.
Send a one-page proposal along with current resume or curriculum vitae to Program Committee co-chairs Stuart Rockoff (srockoffATmhc.state.ms.us) and Michael Cohen (mcohenATTulane.edu). Full panel submission are also welcome. Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2016.
Bus transportation from Jackson, Mississippi will be provided to all conference attendees.