he 44th Economic and Business History Society (EBHS) Annual Conference
he 44th Economic and Business History Society (EBHS) Annual Conference will be held in Detroit, Michigan. Our general theme is Manufacturing and the City. However, individual proposals for presentations on any aspect of economic, social or business history are welcome, as are proposals for whole panels. We welcome submissions from graduate students and non-academic affiliates. Detroit Michigan is uniquely positioned for attendees to experience both past and present relationships between the world of commerce and the urban experience. The “Motor City” has been the long-time center of the American auto industry and earned the title of the “Arsenal of Democracy” for its industrial output in World War II. In more recent times, the City filed for the largest municipal bankruptcy in American history and is presently emerging as a revitalized city, featuring a revitalized downtown populated by some of the most innovative companies in the United States today.
The Conference will be headquartered at the historic Fort Shelby Hotel, first opened in 1917. In 2007, this famous Albert Kahn designed facility benefitted from an $80 million restoration and modernization.
Our conference social program and keynote events will focus on Detroit’s manufacturing heritage as well as its urban rebirth process. The conference optional tour will be to The Henry Ford, which feature the Henry Ford Museum and outdoor Greenfield Village. The Henry Ford’s collections include Thomas Edison’s Menlo Lab complex, Abraham Lincoln’s assassination chair, John F. Kennedy’s assassination limousine, the Rosa Parks bus, and much more.
Detroit also features a rich variety of sports, music and restaurants that will interest conference participants.