Draft:Society for the Study of Midwestern literature

Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature

Overview
The Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature (SSML) is a non-profit academic organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of literature, art, film, and cultural studies focused on the American Midwest. Founded in 1971, the SSML fosters interdisciplinary scholarship, supports critical inquiry, and celebrates diverse representations of the Midwestern experience.

History
The SSML emerged from growing scholarly interest in regional American literature during the mid-20th century. A group of Midwestern literature scholars, led by Professor David D. Anderson of Michigan State University, convened the first formal meeting of the society in 1971. The organization's early focus centered on identifying core traits of Midwestern literature and establishing a critical framework for its analysis. Over time, the SSML's scope expanded to encompass a wider spectrum of artistic and cultural expressions relevant to the Midwest.

Activities and Programs
Annual Conference: The cornerstone of the SSML's activities is its annual conference. Each year, members gather for a multi-day event featuring keynote speakers, scholarly paper presentations, roundtable discussions, creative readings, and special exhibits. Conference themes often examine specific aspects of the Midwestern experience or the work of significant Midwestern authors. Notable past speakers have included Vietnam author Tim O'Brien, former US Poet Laureate Ted Kooser and Sandra Cisneros, author of New York Times best seller The House on Mango Street.

Publications
The SSML publishes two primary periodicals:

MidAmerica: An annual, peer-reviewed journal featuring scholarly articles, essays, interviews, and book reviews on all aspects of Midwestern literature and culture.

SSML Newsletter: A member-focused publication providing news, conference updates, calls for papers, and features on Midwestern authors and cultural figures.

Midwestern Miscellany: Published twice a year by the Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature, a guest editor selects a theme, topic, or author and issues a call for the issue. Often those whose essays are selected for the special issue present them on panels organized by the guest editor at the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature, or at the Society’s panels at MMLA, MLA, PCA, and/or ALA.

Awards
Mark Twain Award: The Mark Twain Award honors a lifetime of creative work focused on the Midwest. Notable past recipients of the award former US Poet Laureate Ted Kooser in 1995, Gwendolyn Brooks in 1986, librettist and playwright Sandra Seaton in 2012 and Ray Bradbury in 1991.

The David D. Anderson Award for Outstanding Essay in Midwestern Literary Studies: Winners include Meg Gillette in 2021 and 2023 winner Crystal S. Rudds.

Midwestern Studies Book Award Awarded to a selected writer of a single-author book-length work that addresses the various aspects of cultural and literary history or conditions from or about the Midwestern states.

MidAmerica Award: Bestowed annually for distinguished contributions to the study of Midwestern literature. Some prestigious winners of the MidAmerica Award, given by the Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature for distinguished contributions to the study of Midwestern literature, include Jon K. Lauck in 2023, recognized for his role as editor-in-chief of the Middle West Review and founding president of the Midwestern History Association. Another notable recipient is Dr. Steve Trout in 2017, who is a professor and chair of English, honored for his career-long contributions to Midwestern literary studies​​.

Membership
SSML membership is open to scholars, teachers, students, writers, artists, and anyone with an interest in the Midwestern region's literature, culture, and history. Members receive subscription to SSML publications, discounted conference registration, and opportunities to participate in the society's governance.