South Dakota Hosts Pivotal Conference on Midwestern Studies

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The historic city of Sioux Falls stands at the heart of a transformative movement in academia. On November 15, 2025, the Lost Region Recovery Project Conference will convene at the Washington Pavilion, attracting nearly 30 scholars from across the nation to revitalize and advance Midwestern history studies. This significant event underscores the growing importance of understanding the Midwest’s role in shaping American identity.

The conference, hosted by the Middle West Review, seeks to consolidate efforts in organizing the concentrated study of the region. The event is spearheaded by the esteemed historian Jon Lauck, who teaches at the University of South Dakota. Lauck is credited with founding the Middle West Review, the first journal dedicated exclusively to Midwestern historians, and published by the University of Nebraska Press.

Molly Wetsch, an investigative reporter for South Dakota News Watch, notes that this conference is a cornerstone event in bridging a notable gap within the academic fields of American regional studies. Lauck, who also established the Midwestern History Association, emphasizes the stark contrast between the Midwest’s representation in academia versus other regions like the South and American West.

“I think there’s 10 different academic centers for the study of the South, and I think there’s at least as many for the American West. But in the Midwest, there’s a total of zero. Which is pretty shocking,” Lauck said. This void underscores the critical nature of the conference, which will not only bring attention to overlooked regional narratives but also foster a deeper understanding of Midwestern contributions to national history.

The heightened interest in Midwestern history comes at a time when there’s a growing recognition of strong regional identities, as illustrated by a recent survey conducted by the Middle West Review. The survey showed that an overwhelming 97% of Iowans identify as Midwesterners, reflecting the deep-seated cultural roots and identity associated with the region.

In addition to themes of identity, the conference will address crucial topics through eight thematic sessions, such as ‘Present Perils’ and ‘Hope,’ focusing on contemporary challenges and the cultural evolution of the Midwest. Discussions will encompass an array of subjects from Midwestern music to democracy, offering a comprehensive exploration of the region’s diverse cultural landscape.

Significantly, the conference will highlight the experiences and histories of various racial groups in the Midwest. Notable speakers include David Brodnax Sr. of Trinity Christian College, discussing African American populations; Kristy Nabhan-Warren of the University of Iowa, focusing on Hispanic communities; and Mary Stockwell, who will delve into Native American and Midwestern intersections.

Stockwell, hailed for her nuanced approach in narrating historical complexities, remarks, “I’m amazed to find it’s not black and white, it’s not good versus evil everywhere. I write about people on all sides of this great conflict, collision, and creativity of people that have created the United States of America.” Her insights illuminate the intricacies of Midwestern history and its vital role in the broader American story.

Moreover, Stockwell suggests that studying the Midwest’s past can offer valuable lessons for the future of American democracy. “That miracle is happening in the center of the United States, and historians have told this story. Maybe, if we do worry about democracy in the future, we can look back to the Midwest and see what it did for good. It is truly the heart of America,” Stockwell stated.

The hosting of this landmark conference in Sioux Falls further positions South Dakota as a pivotal player in the realm of historical study and cultural analysis. It reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and its vital contribution to understanding not only the Midwest’s past but also its future trajectory.

For more information about the conference, visit the Lost Region Recovery Project Conference webpage. South Dakota News Watch continues to provide in-depth coverage of this and other critical stories impacting South Dakota and the greater Midwest region. Contact investigative reporter Molly Wetsch at molly.wetsch@sdnewswatch.org for further insights and follow-ups.

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