I’ll be giving the keynote at Edinboro University’s 2012 Potterfest‘s Ravenclaw Conference focusing on the theme of human rights and animal rights. The conference runs October 18-20, 2012 and will feature both public and academic aspects. A Quidditch tournament! A chance to take in the National Library of Medicine’s traveling exhibit on Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine.
I think this keynote invitation is a great fit given my contribution about women’s history to Harry Potter and History, “Witches vs. Women: What Muggles Could Learn from Wizarding History”. Trust me, there’s a lot more about the wizarding world that didn’t make it into print so there will be more to discover.
As part of Potterfest 2011, the organizers archived a selection of papers that is linked from the Potterfest main page – check them out. I’m reading one about Hermione Granger written by Sheila Gross, a graduate student from Gannon University, and happily anticipating what will come for the 2012 edition.
jliedl.ca 
That is so darned far beyond cool! Congrats!
Thanks! I’m chuffed. Eldest is also pleased because she’s a thorough-going fan and gets to road trip with me.
How exciting! Lucky you! And lucky Eldest! :D
Thanks so much! See what fun things come of studying history, eh?
Congratulations on the keynote! *applauding madly* It sounds like one of the best conferences EVER. You rock!
Aw, thanks! I’m excited as this sounds like a fabulous venue for some really interesting ideas and experiences.