Program of the 126th Annual Meeting
General Information
For a list of sessions and events see the complete Program online and in PDF form.
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General Info
The 126th annual meeting of the Association will be held January 5–8, 2012, in Chicago, at the Sheraton Chicago, the Chicago Marriott Downtown, and the Westin Chicago River North. Many of the profession's most distinguished members will be present to deliver papers and more than 1,600 scholars will participate in the four-day meeting.
In addition, 54 specialized societies and organizations will meet in conjunction with the AHA. Each society will hold its own sessions, luncheons, or meetings, as well as some joint sessions with the Association.
Anthony Grafton, Princeton University, will deliver the presidential address the evening of January 6, and William J. Cronon, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will present the Association's awards: book awards, Awards for Scholarly Distinction, the Troyer Steele Anderson Prize, the Eugene Asher Distinguished Teaching Award, the Beveridge Family Teaching Award, the Raymond J. Cunningham Prize, Equity Awards, the Herbert Feis Award, the William Gilbert Award, the John E. O'Connor Film Award, the Nancy Lyman Roelker Mentorship Award, the Roy Rosenzweig Prize, and the 2011 Honorary Foreign Member.
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Locations
AHA Sessions.............................................. |
Sheraton Chicago and |
Affiliated Societies Events........................... |
Sheraton Chicago, |
AHA Headquarters/Staff Office.................. |
Sheraton Chicago, |
Local Arrangements Committee Office...... |
Sheraton Chicago, |
AHA Job Center........................................... |
Chicago Marriott Downtown, |
Exhibit Hall.................................................. |
Sheraton Chicago, |
Registration.................................................. |
Sheraton Chicago, |
Information Counter.................................... |
Sheraton Chicago, |
Internet and Messaging Center................... |
Chicago Marriott Downtown, |
Quiet Rooms................................................. |
Sheraton Chicago, Ohio Room |
Wireless Access........................................... |
Sheraton Chicago: Lobby Level, Chicago Marriott Downtown: Westin Chicago River North: Courtyard Chicago Downtown: |
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Transportation to Chicago
Association Travel Concepts (ATC) is the official travel agency for the annual meeting. ATC has negotiated discounts with American Airlines, United Airlines, Amtrak, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and Hertz Rent-a-Car to bring attendees special air, rail, and car rental rates that are lower than those available to the public. To take advantage of these rates and benefits, use ATC's website, e-mail reservations@atcmeetings.com or call 800-458-9383. ATC is available for reservations from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday.
By Plane
By contacting ATC, attendees traveling on American (800-
433-1790; Fare code 1112BK) will save up to 5 percent. Some restrictions
may apply and service fees will vary. Travelers on United (800-521-4041;
Fare code 510CK) will receive up to 15 percent off tickets purchased
more than 30 days prior to the meeting. Discounts will apply for travel
several days before and after the AHA's meeting dates of January 5
through 8 for service into O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and
Midway International Airport (MDW). The discount fare code cannot
be used on either airline's web site.
ATC will also search for the lowest available fare on any airline serving O'Hare and Midway airports. ATC is a full-service travel agency that provides personalized service, advance seat assignments, special meal requests, frequent flier programs updates, electronic ticketing, e-mail access for convenient booking of tickets, and more.
By Train
Amtrak offers a 10 percent discount off the best
available fare to Chicago between January 2 and January 11, 2012. To
book, call Amtrak at 800-872-7245 and refer to Convention Fare Code
X57H-932. Please note that this discount cannot be booked via Amtrak's
web site—travelers must call Amtrak or their travel agent directly and
mention the fare code. The offer is not valid on Auto Train but is valid
with Sleepers, Business Class, or First Class seats with payment of the full
applicable accommodation charges. Fare is valid on Amtrak Regional, all
departures seven days a week, except for holiday blackouts.
Car Rentals
Attendees can also arrange to rent a car through
Enterprise Rent-a-Car (800-593-0505; Fare code 32H7476) and Hertz
Rent-a-Car (800-654-2240; Fare code CV#031C0017).
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Getting around in Chicago
Transportation Services at the Airport
The city is served by the larger O'Hare International Airport and a smaller, close-in airport, Midway International Airport. Both offer excellent ground transportation throughout the day with service available to the hotels. Taxis, vans, public and rental cars are available. Both are served by Chicago Rapid Transit (CTA). To review terminal layouts and ground transportation availability, visit the airports' web sites: O'Hare at www.ohare.com/about/ ohare and Midway at www.ohare.com/about/midway.
O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare handles more passengers than any other airport in the world. It has three domestic terminal buildings and one international facility that are linked on the upper level of each terminal to allow passengers quick and easy access between them and the Airport Transit System (ATS). The ATS is a convenient way to get around the airport—it is a free 24-hour rail system operating among all domestic terminals, the international terminal, long-term parking, and the Metra station (a commuter rail line). O'Hare is approximately 17 miles from downtown Chicago.
Taxicabs are located on the lower level curbfront of each domestic terminal and are available from 6:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. A ride from the airport to the hotels takes approximately 30 minutes and costs between $35 and $45, depending on traffic. A shared ride program permits up to four passengers not traveling together to share a cab from O'Hare for a fl at fee of $19 per person. For wheelchair-accessible vehicles, call United Dispatch at 800-281-4466.
GO Airport Express (www.airportexpress.com; 888-284-3826) offers daily, door-to-door service to/from O'Hare airport. Hours of operation are 6:00 A.M. to 11:30 P.M. The shuttle departs approximately every 5 to 10 minutes outside the baggage claim areas of the lower level of the domestic and international terminals. The fare to the city is $25 one way and $46 roundtrip. Lift-equipped vehicles are available on request for passengers with disabilities. Advance notice is strongly urged.
Conveniently located at the lowest level of the Main Parking Garage, the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Blue Line travels between O'Hare and downtown Chicago. The station can be reached from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (domestic arrivals), and is accessed from Terminal 5 (international arrivals) by free, frequent airport shuttle trains. The fare is $2.25 and travel time is 45 minutes to downtown Chicago. Trains leave from outside terminals on the lower level every 5 to 10 minutes, days and evening, and every 30 minutes from 1 A.M. to 5 A.M.
Follow the signs to the CTA Blue Line. Board the train to the Loop (downtown Chicago). O'Hare is the beginning of the line so the only choice is downtown.
For the Sheraton, exit at State and Lake Street, and walk upstairs to street level. At this point, you may prefer to take a short cab ride to your hotel, especially if the weather is inclement or if you have bulky luggage. A taxi takes about five minutes and costs approximately $6. To walk in 15 to 20 minutes, head east on Lake Street (toward Lake Michigan). Turn left or north on Michigan Avenue. Turn right on Wacker Drive (BEFORE crossing the Chicago River). Follow Wacker Drive to Columbus Drive. Turn left or north on Columbus Drive, and cross the Chicago River (you will need to take stairs down to reconnect with Columbus). The hotel will be on the right.
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For the Marriott, travel to the Washington Street stop. Go downstairs, through the tunnel toward State Street, then back up the stairs. Board the Northbound Red Line train and exit at Grand and State. Exit the subway station and walk two blocks east on Grand Avenue to the Marriott. Alternatively, riders can exit at State/Lake for a short cab ride or a moderate walk to the hotel.
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For the Westin, exit at the Clark/Lake stop. Walk three blocks northeast to the hotel.
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For the Courtyard, exit at Washington stop and transfer to the Red Line northbound, exiting at the Grand Stop. Walk south on State Street for two blocks until Hubbard Street. Make a left and the hotel is on the northeast corner of State and Hubbard. Alternatively, riders can exit at State/Lake for a short cab ride or a moderate walk to the hotel.
Midway International Airport
Midway is located 10 miles from downtown Chicago. It is served by seven carriers, with major operations for AirTran, Delta, and Southwest. The main lobby area at the center entrance of the airport is where the information booth and all vehicle pickup services are available. Taxis are available on the lower level of the three-level terminal building. A ride from Midway to the downtown hotels takes between 20 and 30 minutes and costs between $25 and $30, depending on the time of day.
GO Airport Express (www.airportexpress.com; 888-284-3826) also provides transportation to downtown hotels. Vans depart Midway every 15 minutes between 6:00 A.M. and 11:30 P.M. An information counter is located at Lower Level Arrivals door LL3. The pickup location is located outside door LL3, inside lane. The trip to downtown hotels takes 30 minutes and is $20 one and $36 roundtrip. Lift-equipped vehicles are available on request for passengers with disabilities. Advanced notice is strongly suggested.
Chicago Transit Authority offers rapid transit between Midway and downtown Chicago on the CTA's Orange Line. Service operates all day, every day, except during overnight hours (roughly 1:00 A.M. to 4:00 A.M.) or after 11:00 P.M. on Sundays. Alternate overnight ("owl") service is available via the N62 Archer bus. Trains leave from a station connected to the east side of the airport and take 20 to 30 minutes. The fare is $2.25.
Follow the signs to the CTA Orange Line. Board the train to the Loop (downtown Chicago). Midway is the beginning of the line so the only choice is downtown.
For the Sheraton, exit at State and Lake Street (you will be on street level). At this point, you may prefer to take a short cab ride to your hotel, especially if the weather is rough or if you have bulky luggage. A taxi takes about seven minutes and will cost approximately $8. To walk in 15 to 20 minutes, head east on Lake Street (toward Lake Michigan). Turn left or north on Michigan Avenue. Turn right on Wacker Drive (BEFORE crossing the Chicago River). Follow Wacker Drive to Columbus Drive. Turn left or north on Columbus Drive, and cross the Chicago River (you will need to take stairs down to reconnect with Columbus). Hotel will be on the right.
For the Marriott, travel to the State and Lake stop. Walk down to the street level, and enter the subway on State Street. Board the Northbound Red Line train and exit at Grand and State. Exit the subway and walk two blocks east on Grand Avenue to the hotel.
For the Westin, exit at the State/Lake stop. Walk two blocks northwest to the hotel.
- For the Courtyard, exit at State and Lake stop. Walk three blocks north to Hubbard and State. Make a right. The hotel is located at corner of State and Hubbard.
Shuttle Service between Airports
Two shuttles provide service between O'Hare and Midway: Coach USA Wisconsin offers hourly service between 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Pickup is at the Bus Shuttle Center; one-way fare is $13, roundtrip fare $23. Omega Airport Shuttle also offers hourly service between the two airports from 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Pickup is located at bus/shuttle center door number 4. The one-way fare is $16.
Transportation Services at Amtrak
Chicago is known as the hub of all Amtrak transportation with 50 trains arriving or departing daily. The main station is Union Station at 210 South Canal Street. Cabs, the suggested means of transportation to the hotels, are available on the lower level of the station at Adams and Canal Streets. A taxi ride from Union Station to any of the hotels runs between 10 and 20 minutes and costs approximately $6 to $8.
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Public Transportation in Chicago
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) (www.transitchicago.com) operates the second largest public transportation system in the United States (after New York City) and serves the city and 40 surrounding suburbs, operating 24 hours a day. It is by far the most efficient way to get around the city—even in January!—and also the lowest priced. Visit CTA's web site for how-to guides, a downtown transit sightseeing guide, a trip planner, schedules, maps, transit apps, and bus/train tracker information.
Most rides on CTA are taken by bus, on the system's 140 routes. The rail system consists of train lines spanning the city and neighboring communities, and is known locally as "The L." It has eight rapid transit routes with 144 stations. Parts run above ground, in subway tunnels and tubes, as well as at grade or in expressway medians. Two routes—the Red and Blue Lines—operate 24 hours, every day. Free transfer between all 'L' routes is available at designated locations.
The basic bus and train fare is $2.25. For the bus, you can use dollar bills or coins, but the rail requires purchase of a farecard prior to taking your trip. You can buy farecards at hundreds of locations around the region (including at both airport) or order online in advance.
CTA Passes: Riders can purchase CTA Visitor Passes or CTA OneDay Fun Passes for unlimited rides on buses and trains. The Fun Pass is $5.75 and allows 24 hours of unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains from the date and time of the first use. The Visitors Pass activates the first time used and is good for the number of consecutive days shown on the front of the pass. Visitors can purchase a three-day pass for $14 or a seven-day pass for $23. Once a pass is used, it is valid for the specified number of consecutive days. You can buy passes online, at vending machines at certain train stations, and at retail stores throughout the city.
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About Taxicabs in Chicago
Riders may hail a cab or prearrange a trip by calling any one of the hundreds of taxicab companies operating in Chicago. At O'Hare and Midway airports, an employee of the Department of Aviation called a starter is available in case of questions or problems in finding a taxi. In Chicago, you pay the amount shown on the meter, plus any tolls. The meter should start at $2.25, then increase $0.20 for each one-ninth mile. In slow traffic, riders pay an additional idling time clock $0.20 for each 36 seconds. There is a flat fee of $1 for the first additional passenger and another $0.50 for each additional passenger after that unless the passenger is under 12 or over 65 years of age. There is no charge for baggage or using a credit card, and tipping is optional. Drivers are not required to carry or to change bills larger than $20. For trips over five miles, the driver may agree to charge either a flat rate or discount fare. However, the meter must continue to run, and an agreement must be made with the driver before the trip begins. Wheelchair-accessible taxicabs are available. Call 800-281-4466 for a list of all taxi companies operating wheelchair accessible cabs. An additional charge of $1 is added to the total fare on each trip to or from O'Hare or Midway airports. The tax should appear on the meter as an "extra" charge. Taxicabs must accept credit cards, unless the taxicab is independently owned and operated; if there is no logo on the taxi's door, it is not affiliated.
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Parking
There are three options for parking in Chicago: at your hotel, at a commercial garage, and on the street. The first two are expensive and the latter can be next to impossible to find. Watch your time when parking in downtown Chicago—parking regulations are strictly enforced through ticketing and towing. There is metered parking on most downtown streets, but parking is in two-hour increments only. If you allow the time to elapse, you will be towed to a city impound lot. Also, watch for signs indicating that parking is not allowed at specific time periods during the day; make sure your car is moved before the time frame starts.
Hotel Parking
Current published rates for a 24-hour period: Sheraton: $49 valet, $37 selfpark; Marriott: $48 valet, $33 self-park; Westin: $52 valet, $33 self-park (self-park garages are not on premises but in close proximity); Courtyard: $48 valet parking only. If you are a hotel guest, charges can be billed to your room or you can pay with credit card or cash. If you are not a hotel guest, you can still park in hotel garages, however, there will be no in-and-out privileges and you may be required to pay at an hourly rate.
Additional Parking Options
The Parking Industry Labor Management Council maintains a Chicago parking locator web site (www.chicagoparkingmap.com) with an interactive map of all Chicago parking garages. Simply enter the target street address and the site provides detailed options.
With advance planning, visitors can apply for a ParkCard (www.parkcard.com). Although it has a $20 annual fee, it offers a 5 percent discount on all parking charges including daily specials. It is used just like a credit card, so there is no need to carry cash or to find an ATM. It is accepted at InterPark garages located throughout Chicago at both self park and attendant garages. Look for the green sign to locate InterPark garages that accept with no need to carry cash. It takes approximately three weeks from submission of the online application form to receive the card. For additional information, call 877-887-2711.
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Refund Policy
Click here to register for the annual meeting, or see registration rates.
Advance registrants who are unable to attend the meeting may request a refund of their registration fee. Cancellations and refund requests should be submitted in writing and postmarked (or e-mailed) by December 20, 2011. Refunds will be processed less a $20 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for requests postmarked or e-mailed after December 20, 2011. Refunds will not be given for no-shows. Cancellations and refund requests should be submitted to the American Historical Association, Business Office, 400 A Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 or e-mailed to staffaccountant@historians.org. Faxed refund requests will not be accepted. Proof of payment—copies of front and back of cancelled check or copy of credit card statement—may also be required.
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Messaging and Internet Center
The AHA will employ an electronic two-way messaging system to allow everyone registered for the meeting to communicate with each other. The system will be accessible via a link on the AHA annual meeting page (www.historians.org/annual). Meeting attendees are encouraged to use the Internet services provided in their hotel rooms and other public locations. Extensive information about the availability and price of Internet services, including free WiFi options, is posted here. A limited number of Internet terminals will also be available in the Chicago Marriott's Grand Ballroom Salon 1 during Job Center hours. The system will be the designated form of communication for those using the Job Center, and interviewers and interviewees can use it to schedule and confirm interviews. AHA staff answering the phones at the meeting will be able to post messages for attendees directly into the system.
Attendees will be able to sign up to receive an SMS/cell phone text message or an e-mail alert when they have a new message. Persons with messages waiting will be able to use any Internet-connected computer to log in using a password that will be printed on their badges. More information will be e-mailed to those who register for the meeting.
Wireless connection will be available on the Lobby Level and Level 4 Promenade of the Sheraton Chicago. The Sheraton also has an Internet café called Link@Sheraton Café on Level 2. AHA attendees will have access to free WiFi, PC workstations, and printing with PrintMe.com. The Chicago Marriott has WiFi on the lobby level and second floor mezzanine. The Westin Chicago has free access on the lobby level. The Courtyard Chicago Downtown has free WiFi in all public areas and wired complimentary access in all guest rooms.
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Quiet Rooms
The AHA will make Quiet Rooms available in the Sheraton's Ohio Room and the Marriott's Great America Room. The Marriott's Quiet Room is near the Job Center facility in the Marriott's Grand Ballroom, Salon 1. Both rooms will have free wireless Internet access. Although the rooms are of particular use to those on the job market, they are also available for all conference attendees as a quiet place to await their next session or appointment, to send a text message, to check a web site, and the like. It's a room to escape temporarily the hubbub of the annual meeting—this includes mobile phone conversations—to read prior to your next session or next appointment, to meet someone before heading out to lunch, to prepare a few notes for those comments you didn't quite finish, to rest tired feet from walking among the hotels, or, for Chicago-area attendees with no hotel room, to sit for a few minutes of quiet time.
To allow everyone to enjoy the Quiet Room, please avoid:
cell-phone conversations—there are hallways and numerous other venues throughout the hotels and elsewhere for these conversations
using the room as an informal or alternate site for job interviews
extended conversation
Since the room will not be monitored continuously, there will be a simple room set with smaller-sized tables with chairs and trash baskets. Those who enjoy the room's usage should not leave coats, briefcases, purses, or other personal possessions unattended or left in the room while they attend session(s) or interview(s). To deposit such items, the Sheraton has a coat check on the lobby level, near Parlor A, and the Marriott has a coat check on the fifth floor.
AHA staff will check the room periodically, but the space will be self policing: please bus your own table if you dine, throw away any unwanted papers or other trash, straighten seating if you move tables and chairs around, etc. For serious concerns or issues, report to the AHA Headquarters Office in the Sheraton's River Hall B. If there are problems or repeated distractions, the AHA reserves the right to close the room to further use.
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Childcare
The AHA provides the names of the following childcare suppliers as a service to members who may be interested, but the AHA assumes no responsibility for their performance, licensing, insurance, and so on. Companies note that they are fully insured, licensed, and bonded, and they will make arrangements to provide childcare in the client's hotel room or elsewhere. Pay rates are generally based on a caregiver's training and experience and the requirements of the particular engagement. Typical rates are $15 to $25 per hour. If plans must be made closer to the meeting dates, attendees can also call their selected hotel's concierge desk for a list of childcare providers maintained by the hotel.
Care4hire.com
P.O. Box 2202, Norfolk, NE 68702
402-379-7811
E-mail submission from web site's "Contact Us" A free preview of available babysitters is available through the site's local neighborhood mapping technology. Once a registered member, individuals will be given immediate access to babysitters through text messaging, email, and phone.Sittercity
213 W. Institute Place, Suite 504, Chicago, IL 60610 888-748-2489, Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. CST Web: www.sittercity.com E-mail submission from web site's "Help and Contact Us" One of the largest online sources for child care, with babysitters in every city nationwide, including Chicago. They offer a four-step screening process, background checks, sitter reviews, detailed profiles, and more.
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Business Meeting
The AHA Council, divisions, and committees will report to the Association at the annual business meeting. Reports are subject to discussion and appropriate motions relating to them. Resolutions on other matters for the business meeting will be handled as follows: (1) resolutions signed by 50 members of the Association will be accepted until November 1, 2011, and (2) must be no more than 300 words in length. Resolutions should be sent to the Executive Director at the AHA headquarters, with a copy to the Parliamentarian, Michael Les Benedict, Department of History, Ohio State University, 230 West 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210.
Voting Cards
Voting cards will be distributed to members at the meeting
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Affiliated Societies
The Level 2 LB's Promenade of the Sheraton Chicago has been reserved from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 6, for affiliated societies to display materials and to meet with members of the profession.
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Two-Year College Faculty
History faculty from two-year colleges are invited to a special cash-bar reception on Friday, January 6 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. in the Missouri Room of the Sheraton Chicago. Members of the AHA Council, divisions, and committees will host this opportunity to become better acquainted and to discuss informally how the Association might better serve this constituency's needs.
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Committee on Minority Historians
The Committee on Minority Historians invites minority graduate students and first-year faculty to a complimentary continental breakfast on Friday, January 6 from 7:30–9:00 a.m. Please join the committee in a discussion of life in the profession. If you are interested in attending, register via the meeting preregistration form. Individuals who wish to participate in the discussion only are invited to arrive at 8:00 a.m.
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Graduate and Early Career Committee
The Graduate and Early Career Committee either sponsors these events or recommends them to graduate students.
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Teaching
The AHA Teaching Division encourages those meeting registrants with a special interest in history teaching to attend these sessions and activities. This roster of sessions reflects the combined efforts of the division, the Program Committee, the National History Education Clearinghouse, affiliated societies, and other groups.
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Local Arrangements: Historians and Chicago
For the 126th annual meeting, members of the Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) will provide Association members with detailed information to make their Chicago visit thoroughly enjoyable. Co-chairs D. Bradford Hunt, Roosevelt University, and James T. Sparrow, University of Chicago, and LAC members have prepared articles on the city for the fall issues of Perspectives on History, including guides to museums, points of interests, and restaurants in the area. An annual meeting supplement will be distributed at the meeting and posted on the AHA's web site.
- Tours
- What Chicago Has to Offer
- Welcome to Chicago, Global City By D. Bradord Hunt
- A Brief Guide to Archives in Chicago Compiled by Karen Christianson
- Community Cultural Organizations Collaborate through the Chicago Cultural Alliance By Margaret (Peg) Strobel
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Last Updated: December 30, 2011 5:07 PM
