Artists, authors, musicians and historians across the South will congregate at The University of Memphis for the annual Delta Conference June 3. The event is open to the public and free to U of M students while seats are available.
The conference aims to study the history and culture of the Mississippi Delta while bringing recognition to various achievements and accolades stemming from the region.
Nicholas Gotten, board member of the Friends of the University Libraries, said the event helps provide support for the Ned R. McWherter Library, recently put on probation for failing to meet budget standards set by the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries.
"We try to use this program to bring recognition to the University Libraries, but also to raise money for books," he said.
Events like the Delta Conference help bring much-needed funding into the facility, including a $10,000 donation made by the organization in 2009.
Gotten said the conference brings attention to The University and its place in the historic region.
"We do want to bring honor, and we want to publicize The U of M to study the most unique area in America - the Delta," he said. "The Delta has produced some of the world's greatest writers, artists and musicians."
Curt Guenther, director of communications services at The U of M, said the conference gets bigger every year.
"It's grown significantly every year as word of mouth gets around," he said.
Gotten said past conferences have been well attended, and he expects 350 to 400 in the coming year.
Guenther said Memphis is often considered the capital of the Delta, which makes The University a perfect fit for the event.
"If you are fascinated by this region, then you'd be really interested in this conference," he said.
Gotten said the event would never have happened without the help from library faculty.
"The staff of the University Libraries has been very helpful," he said. "We could not do it without (them)."
Among those scheduled to speak is Gene Dattell, author of "Cotton and Race in the Making of America," which details the connection among cotton, slavery and the Delta region.
Martha Foose, author of "Screen Doors and Sweet Tea," will also speak about area cuisine. The book highlights various recipes she grew up eating in the Mississippi Delta.
Tickets are$25 for students who not from The U of M. Anyone may register for a comprehensive package covering not only the speakers but also breakfast, lunch, snacks and parking for $65 until May 1, then $75 until May 15.
