The Progressive Era marked the modernization of the American state, the expansion of citizenship, the ascendancy of "big business," the transformation of American liberalism, and the development of a social politics. It was also the moment when the United States assumed the role of a world power, culminating in its participation in World War I and its role in negotiating the ambitious but flawed treaty that ended it. Taking exception to interpretations of the era that see "American exceptionalism," this seminar will explore the era and its reforms (and their limits) in the context of the larger global response to industrialization and urbanization under conditions of unregulated capitalism.

Using ESSEX History examines local history at its best in this seminar lookubg at Salem and the China Trade with Salem State's Dr. Dane Morrison. Dr. Morrison will lead attendees through a discussion of the economic and maritime history of Salem during the China Trade and the ways in which this vast trading network affected the economy and culture of Essex County. This seminar will take place at the House of the Seven Gables—a stone's throw from historic Derby Wharf, the center of the China Trade. In the afternoon, teachers will be introduced to some of the Peabody Essex Museum's vast collections of China Trade artifacts.

This popular living history event will provide participants the unique opportunity to learn about 1840s life by living it! You will be immersed in the role of trader, trapper-hunter, laborer, blacksmith, carpenter, Dragoon soldier, Army Topographical Engineer or domestic cook. You will gain a much deeper understanding of the realities of fur trade era life in the American West.

Participants will be provided study materials and lectures on history, living history, and interpretive skills. Living historians will teach and direct participants in use of 19th century work techniques and social skills. Lectures will take place through the first day with an overnight on the Santa Fe Trail that evening. On Friday, those who are to work for Bent, St. Vrain and Company will travel to the fort and sign on with the company. From that moment on, you are living a 19th century life 24 hours a day. The Army and trappers will spend most of their time working out of their camps along the Arkansas River.

The workshop features Dr. Harvey Klehr of Emory University as the keynote speaker and offers sessions on television, toys, fashion, music, art, and literature of the Cold War era.

The World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C. is hosting its annual Summer Institute on International Affairs for High School Educators on The U.S. and the World. Topics will include The New Asia, Globalization and the Economy, Religion and Foreign Policy, Future Conflicts, U.S. Foreign Policy Directions, and more topics to be later announced.

The conference features access to international experts, exciting and interactive seminars, lesson plan sessions, on-site sessions at the U.S. Department of State, the World Bank, Foreign Embassies, and others (with optional Graduate School Credit through Projects in Education and the Catholic University of America), a national network of teachers and free materials for the classroom.

This workshop "will focus on changing transportation and technology in urban America and how these forces shape modern cities and their economies. Guest speakers will include Mark Tebeau, Associate Professor of History at Cleveland State University, and a variety of curators and archivists from the Ohio Historical Society."