The Chemical Heritage Foundation invites proposals for papers on urban environmental history in North America, the British Isles, continental Europe, Latin America and other regions constituting the Atlantic world.

The conference will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from Friday, April 16^th through Saturday, April 17, 2004. It will be hosted by the Chemical Heritage Foundation through the generous support of the Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation.

We welcome proposals that recognize the common experiences and contexts of American and European cities for understanding relationships among cities, manufacturing and commercial activities, and environmental consequences, responses, and challenges. We are particularly interested in research situated in the long nineteenth century. While case studies of cities or of industries in specific urban contexts are welcome, comparative studies and research that crosses geographies are especially encouraged. We also seek papers that explore ways that technological innovation, urban ideals, markets, and environmental conceptualizations linked cities across space. How, for example, did professional and informal networks of communication and knowledge in science, engineering, business, labor, law, politics, and medicine shape responses to environmental consequences of industrial and urban growth? How did responses by community members, reformers, and workers engage these groups in discourses across class, cultural, or political boundaries?

We aim to bring both established and younger scholars together to share their ongoing research as well as broader perspectives on themes and opportunities in urban environmental history. The conference will have a workshop format with a limited number of participants. Participants will give 10-15 minute presentations followed by discussion. We expect to be able to contribute to the cost of travel, lodging and meals for workshop participants.

The deadline for proposals is December 1, 2003. Proposals should be 250-500 words and accompanied by a short c.v. and an email contact address. Senior scholars who would like to participate as discussants are warmly encouraged to send a c.v. and statement of interest. Materials may be submitted electronically or by mail to the address below. Notification of accepted proposals will be made on or about December 31, 2003. Invited scholars will be asked to confirm participation by mid January 2004.

Please feel free to contact Donna Rilling, Chemical Heritage Foundation, with any questions.

Donna J. Rilling