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Conference Program (pdf)

Keynote Speech by Dr. Robert Archibald, President of the Missouri Historical Society

18^TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF

THE ASSOCIATION FOR CANADIAN STUDIES IN THE UNITED STATES

MILLENNIUM HOTEL, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

NOVEMBER 16-20, 2005 

The biennial conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for scholarly discussion as well as a venue for networking with colleagues from throughout the United States, Canada, and the world. The conference presents an opportunity for academics and other professionals involved in the study of Canada to present their research to peers, to learn about new developments in Canadian studies, to hear prominent Canadians, and to visit with publishers of books and periodicals relating to Canada and Canada-U.S. relations.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Every participant must be a 2005 ACSUS member or a member of an ICCS recognized Canadian studies association outside the United States. Secure on-line 2005 membership forms are available   here.  

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Ideally located across from the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium and minutes from downtown businesses, the Millennium Hotel is convenient for all travelers. A recent enhancement included complete renovation to our North Tower Millennium Classic and Club rooms. The lobby affords a spectacular view of the Arch via a three story glass wall. The North Tower features Millennium Classic and Club rooms, while the South Tower houses our Standard and Ecomony guest rooms. Special discounted group conference rates are available here.  

ABOUT ST. LOUIS

Perched just below the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, three hundred miles south of Chicago and north of Memphis, cosmopolitan ST LOUIS (pronounced, whatever any song might say, as Lewis) owes its vaguely European air to its history and developed cultural infrastructure. Any city capable of producing two of the twentieth century's greatest poets – T.S. Eliot and Chuck Berry – probably has a lot going for it.

St Louis was founded in 1764 by the French fur trader Pierre Laclede, but the American immigration that followed its sale to the US under the Louisiana Purchase all but extinguished the refinement it had gained during French and Spanish rule. It subsequently became crucial as the major gateway for pioneers on the wagon trails westward. Transportation – first steamboats, then trains and now air haulage – has long been the basis of its considerable industrial strength. However, St Louis has not always had an easy ride. Downtown reached a nadir during the 1970s, but the years since then have seen a remarkable turnaround, with attractions on the revitalized riverfront including the magnificent Gateway Arch and the restored warehouses of Laclede's Landing.

Try not to leave without sampling the outlying districts. To the west lie arty Central West End and studenty University (or "U") City, on either side of prodigious Forest Park with its museums and playing fields. The blue-collar southside features the markets, antique shops and jazz pubs of Soulard and the Italian shops and cafés of the Hill.

Information by Rough Guides

ACSUS is pleased to partner with the Missouri Historical Society for a number of planned conference features including two organized cultural excursions for conference delegates. Tours are currently being planned to Cahokia/St. Genevieve, as well as a World's Fair exhibition tour of St. Louis. Please note that details will be made available in July during the pre-registration period. Visit the Missouri Historical Society website here.   

TOURS

Remembering the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis
This tour will take you back in time to the beauty and splendor of days gone by. Begin exploring the Fair at the Missouri Historical Society's exhibition, 1904 World's Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward. This reveals the human stories of the Fair's creators, participants and attendees. The exhibit is not simply a nostalgic journey but also an exploration and reflection on the aspirations and visions of the future held by citizens of 1904. Discover remaining historic sites and artifacts from the Fair and the Olympics as we journey through Forest Park and the city beyond. One of the few remaining buildings, the Palace of Fine Arts (now the Saint Louis Art Museum), will offer a private tour highlighting the art and artists of the Fair. Wednesday, November 16, 12:30pm--5:00pm.

French  ColonialTerritory

This full day guided tour explores the Creole Corridor of Missouri and Illinois. St. Genevieve was founded in 1735 by French Canadians who followed Pere Marquette, Joliet and LaSalle. The tour will explore the French Colonial village by visiting two of the historic homes: Bolduc House and Philipson-Valle House plus additional sites will be included as you discover the first permanent European settlement in the Louisiana Territory. In Illinois we’ll travel as Lewis & Clark did 200 years ago to Cahokia which was settled in 1699 by the Seminary of Foreign Missions of Quebec. Visit the Holy Family Church established by this mission, the Cahokia Courthouse and Jarrot Mansion. Each of the structures are from different time periods contributing to the early settlement of the area. Includes box lunch. 10:00am-6:00pm, Sunday, November 20. There will be a scheduled stop at St. Louis Lambert Airport at 5:30pm for those wishing to leave after the tour. 

   Download a map of St. Louis

   Visit the official St. Louis travel portal for information on attractions, dining, nightlife/entertainment, shopping and transportation.  Click here.     

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

St. Louis Program Section Chairs

PROGRAM CHAIR, ACSUS ’05: Diddy R. M. Hitchins, University of Alaska  Anchorage

SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PROGRAM CHAIR, ACSUS ‘05: Doug Nord, Wright State University