Miami Presents: Demystifying Rural America

It seems everyone has an opinion about rural America. Is it gripped in a tragic decline? Or is it on the cusp of a glorious revival? Is it the key to understanding America today?

Miami History Professor and author, Steven Conn, argues that we’re missing the real question: Is rural America even a thing? No, says Conn, who believes we see only what we want to see in the lands beyond the suburbs—fantasies about moral (or backward) communities, simpler (or repressive) living, and what it means to be authentically (or wrongheadedly) American. If we want to build a better future, Conn argues, we must accept that these visions don’t exist and never did.

Steven Conn is the W. E. Smith Professor of History at Miami University, where he teaches courses in American history. He was previously on the faculty in the history department at Ohio State University.  He received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1994.  

At OSU he created a combined BA/MA degree program in public history and the monthly online features magazine "Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective."  In 2021 he helped create a spin-off website in collaboration with Getty Images called "Picturing Black History." Using images from Getty's vast archive, the site brings to light photos you haven't seen to tell stories you haven't heard. Find it here picturingblackhistory.org/

Steven Conn has spoken on a variety of topics around the country and around the world. A popular and engaging speaker, he is on the roster of Distinguished Lecturers at the Organization of American Historians. 

Originally from Philadelphia, Steven Conn is now a resident of the funky town of Yellow Springs. There he is active in a variety of civic activities and projects. He served on the Yellow Springs school board from 2014 until 2022. He has also served on the Glen Helen Association Board.

This event is open to all and free to attend, but registration is required.  Questions?  Please reach out to J.J. Slager at slagerjj@miamioh.edu.