SMFS is pleased to announce that the Medieval Foremothers Society will be honoring the scholarly and professional contributions of Professor Constance H. Berman at this years Congress on Medieval Studies. We have organized two sessions reflecting Professor Berman influence and interests:
Connie’s entire career has been devoted to shedding light on medieval women previously unrecognized or ignored by historians, forcing scholars to acknowledge not only the presence, but the power, of women in the past. As a result of her work, the medieval narrative has been irrevocably altered. It is now more accurate and inclusive. In addition, so many individuals within academia have benefited from her generosity and support. She works tirelessly to ensure the success of her students, undergraduate and graduate alike. She has also served as a mentor to so many others within the academy, especially women, offering encouragement, guidance and wisdom that is impossible to measure, but so meaningful personally and professionally.
Saturday, May 13 10:00 Session 344 Valley III Stinson Lounge
In Honor of Constance H. Berman I: Old Sources, New Histories (A Roundtable)
Sponsor: Medieval Foremothers Society
Organizer: Erin L. Jordan, Old Dominion University
Presider: Erin L. Jordan, Old Dominion University
Women, Wealth and Marriage, Barbara A. Hanawalt, Ohio State University
Foremothers Obscured: When Chronicle and Charter Diverge, Jeffrey A. Bowman, Kenyon College
Women, Men and Medieval Monasticism, Sherri Franks Johnson, Louisiana State University
Connie Bermans Cistercian Contribution, Brian Patrick McGuire, Indpendent Scholar
The Use of Episcopal Visitation Records for the Study of Gender, Sexuality, and Social History, Michelle Armstrong-Partida, University of Texas-El Paso
Saturday, May 13, 1:30 Session 435 Bernhard 106
In Honor of Constance H. Berman II: Medieval Womens History: Past, Present and Future
Sponsor: Medieval Foremothers Society
Organizer: Erin L. Jordan, Old Dominion University
Presider: Amy Livingstone, Wittenberg University
Challenging the Received Wisdom on Medieval Nuns, Jane Tibbetts Schulenburg, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mens Houses, Womens Houses: Rethinking Sex Segregation in Monastic Life, Fiona J. Griffiths, Stanford University
Digitizing the Medieval Woman: Towards a Feminist Edition of the Cartulary of Prmontr, Yvonne Seale, SUNY-Geneseo and Heather Wacha, University of Wisconsin-Madison
In addition, the Foremothers Society will be sponsoring a luncheon in Connie’s honor. It will be held at the Oaklands, the Bed and Breakfast on the WMU campus on May 13 from 11:30 to 1:30. The luncheon will feature an Italian buffet, including Caesar salad, several vegetable dishes, and several pasta choices. It will include coffee, tea and soda as well as a champagne toast to celebrate Connie’s many professional and personal accomplishments. Price, including tax and gratuity, is $30, $15 for graduate students and underemployed scholars.
If you wish to join in our celebration of Connie’s career, please register at the SMFS website under the “Events” tab. Payment can be made in advance via Paypal or by check. Cash payments will also be accepted on the day of the event.
If you have any questions regarding this event please contact Erin Jordan (ejordan@odu.edu)
