Massachusetts Historical Review
The Massachusetts Historical Review (MHR) publishes essays, photo-essays, historical documents, and review articles each autumn. Every issue offers pieces rich in narrative detail and thoughtful analysis, prepared for all readers interested in the history of the Commonwealth, from its settlement to the 21st century.
Beginning with a new series in 2021, each issue of the MHR will focus on a specific theme connected with Massachusetts history, although essays in the volume need not be limited to Massachusetts or New England topics. See Submissions at bottom of page for more information.
CFP: Marriage in American History
Deadline: 25 July 2022
To mark the 20th anniversary of the historic decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, volume 4 of the MHR’s new series will feature essays that deal critically with the theme of marriage, broadly conceived. Essays may address the theme in a variety of ways so long as the idea of marriage is integral to the topic and analysis.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s ruling in Goodridge made the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the first in the nation to recognize same-sex marriage. In 2001, seven same-sex Bay State couples sued after state officials denied them marriage licenses. Writing for the majority in this watershed case, Chief Justice Margaret Marshall refuted opponents’ claims that same-sex marriage would harm the institution of marriage overall, pointing out that “[recognizing] the right of an individual to marry a person of the same sex will not diminish the validity of opposite-sex marriage, any more than recognizing the right of an individual to marry a person of a different race devalues the marriage of a person who marries someone of her own race.” Rather, Justice Marshall argued, “extending civil marriage to same-sex couples reinforces the importance of marriage to individuals and communities. That same-sex couples are willing to embrace marriage’s solemn obligations of exclusivity, mutual support, and commitment to one another is a testament to the enduring place of marriage in our laws and in the human spirit.” Although the court handed down its 4-3 decision the previous year, the first marriage licenses were issued to same-sex couples in 2004.
The MHR invites interested authors to submit proposals for original essays in any era of American history and speaking to a general audience. Preference will be given to essays that connect in some manner to Massachusetts and New England. The journal welcomes submissions from authors pursuing research in history or related fields (such as American Studies or American Literature) at all career stages, including graduate students, tenured faculty members, and independent scholars.
Interested parties should submit a current curriculum vitae (three pages maximum) along with a one-page (double-spaced) proposal that outlines the subject the author seeks to pursue and its connection to the theme, the sources employed, and the intervention in relevant historical scholarship to mhr@masshist.org by July 25, 2022. By Aug 8, 2022, authors with successful proposals will receive an invitation to submit a completed draft of their essay for consideration.
First drafts of essays selected will be due by December 16, 2022, and must be 7,500–10,000 words. All drafts will undergo a rigorous peer-review process by both MHS staff and outside readers prior to publication.
Questions? Please write to mhr@masshist.org
Volumes Published
- Volume 21 (2020) now in print
- Volume 20 (2018)
- Volume 19 (2017)
- Volume 18 (2016)
- Volume 17 (2015)
- Volume 16 (2014)
- Volume 15 (2013)
- Volume 14 (2012)
- Volume 13 (2011)
- Volume 12 (2010)
- Volume 11 (2009)
- Volume 10 (2008)
- Volume 9 (2007)
- Volume 8 (2006)
- Volume 7 (2005)
- Volume 6 (2004)
- Volume 5 (2003)
- Volume 4 (2002)
- Volume 3 (2001)
- Volume 2 (2000)
- Volume 1 (1999)
Ordering Information & Online Access
Subscriptions are $30.00 for individuals, $35.00 for institutions, and $45.00 for all non-US addresses; online access is available through a subscription to JSTOR’s Arts & Sciences V Collection. Back issues of the MHR are available for sale through the MHS or online through JSTOR.
Members and Honorary Fellows of the MHS receive the MHR free as a benefit.
To order print version of the MHR
e-mail: mhr@masshist.org
phone: 617-646-0557
To order online access to the MHR
e-mail: participation@jstor.org
phone: 212-358-6400
MHR in JSTOR
Beginning with volume 20, new volumes of the MHR will not be available at JSTOR until one year after print publication. If you would like to switch your electronic subscription to print, please contact the publications office.
Submissions
Beginning with the first volume of the new series in 2021, each volume of the MHR will present essays on a topic chosen for that year. Before inquiring about submission for an upcoming volume, please check the call for papers (Call for Papers - NOW CLOSED), keeping in mind that each new CFP will be posted in the spring.
Manuscript submissions will not be considered without an initial proposal, as outlined in the CFP.
Director of Research and MHR Editor, Kanisorn Wongsrichanalai
Ford Editor of Publications, Ondine Le Blanc
