Berkshire Conference on Women’s History, Toronto, Canada, May 22-25, 2014, Website

Call for panelists from Christina Gessler: Seeking two to three additional scholars whose work considers widows not as defying their culture, but the tight definition of it historians would have us believe either inevitable or proper. Work outside the U.S. preferred.

The roundtable format allows us to discuss with each other (and the audience) our approach to seeing these (and all) women as independent historical actors, the results of our research, and our ongoing questions or methodological concerns.

Widows on the Edge

Women throughout history -all regions, classes, and ethnicities- contributed untold things to their families, communities, and thus to their countries. These stories are too often seen in relation to men. But when men are away–at war, seeking fortune, at sea–the work of women comes to the forefront. Women unconnected to men seem to be viewed as in peril. Widows who never remarried challenge these myths: that they were on the edge of their communities, their family, and their sense of self.

In seeing widows as true historical actors we begin to move not only them, but all women, back from „the edge.“

If you would like to be part of the roundtable, please send me by January 1st:
– A one-page cv
– A 200 word abstract of how your work fits the themes of the roundtable and the Berks
– Your professional affiliation and
– Your preferred email or other contact information

Christina Gessler, Ph.D. (Christina@christinagessler.com)

Source: H-WOMEN@H-NET.MSU.EDU