NOBS is a co-sponsor for this exciting symposium that will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Western Reserve Historical Society. Charles W. Chesnutt (1858-1932) was arguably the most important African American author (fiction, essays and advocacy) to ply his trade in America between Reconstruction and the Harlem Renaissance; he was certainly the most important author to come from Ohio during this period, and his influence was clearly national. It is also important to note that several of his novels were not published until 50 years after his death, largely because they were considered too provocative for their time.

Featuring presentations by:

Stephanie Browner, PhD: The New School

Tess Chakkalakal, PhD: Bowdoin College

Charles Duncan, PhD: William Peace University

William Hardwig, PhD: University of Tennessee Knoxville

Kenneth M. Price, PhD: University of Nebraska Lincoln

Regennia Williams, PhD: Western Reserve Historical Society Cleveland

There will also be opportunities to see the Rowfant Club of Cleveland, take a white-glove tour of the Chesnutt archives, and interact with the Cleveland community. Continental breakfast and a full buffet luncheon will be served; local accommodation will be available near the Case Western Reserve University campus, including the Glidden House.

Registration Fee: $80.00 for standard participants and $50.00 for full time students

Fully Refundable Date: August 15, 2026

https://www.chesnutt2026.com  or www.rowfant.org

Questions? Email cuw123@aol.com

Cosponsors: The Western Reserve Historical Society, The Northern Ohio Bibliophilic Society, Charles W. Chesnutt Digital Archive, The Cuyahoga County Public Library, and the Cleveland Public Library.