For press information, contact Curt Guenther, 901/678-2843

The fifth annual conference, “The Delta: Everything Southern!” will be held Thursday, June 3rd, at the University of Memphis. The popular event will run from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Fogelman Executive Conference Center, sponsored by the University Libraries of the U of M, with support from Friends of the University Libraries.

Eight guest presenters will each discuss an aspect of this intriguing region of the South. Among the topics will be archaeology, cuisine, hunting clubs, ‘lost plantations,’ the history of Greenville, the blues’ global influences, and cotton’s historic effect on the South and the world.

Presenters will include Cotton and Race author Gene Dattell, Screen Doors and Sweet Tea author Martha Foose, noted Memphis blues singer Joyce Cobb, and inveterate duck hunter/historian Dr. Luther Capooth. Detailing the stories of 60 “lost” plantations will be Oschner Clinic physician Dr. Marc Matrana, and Delta natives Benjy Nelken and Willy Bearden will discuss Greenville specifically and the Delta in general.

Rounding out the list of speakers will be Sam Brookes, forest archaeologist for the Mississippi National Forests, who will present a continuation of his acclaimed 2009 discussion of the 7,500-year history of the Delta’s Native American inhabitants.

Early registration (before May 1) is $65; registration after May 1 is $75. The seminar’s registration fee also covers parking and lunch. Registration may be handled online or by mail. Details are available online at www.memphis.edu/deltaconference

More information is also available from the chairman of this year’s event, Willy Bearden, at 901-522-9313 or willyb@aol.com, from Dr. Nicholas Gotten at 901-682-9955 or ngotten@aol.com, or from Tom Mendina at 901-678-4310 or tmendina@memphis.edu