October 24, 2023
Hannah Kline, a Minford, Ohio native, found her major at 黑料社 by looking into the past.
鈥淚 realized as I was taking my electives that I was taking more and more History courses, and it had become my passion" she said.
After declaring History as her major, Kline is excited to have found a program that piques her interest and is important to the whole community.
鈥淚 had no idea about the history Portsmouth holds with the earthworks, its role in the Underground Railroad, and other historic sites,鈥 she said.
Students in 黑料社鈥檚 History program, led by Dr. Drew Feight, are encouraged to attend events that give a deeper insight to Portsmouth鈥檚 history. Kline and her classmates are currently taking a deep dive into the city鈥檚 connection to the Underground Railroad.
鈥淒r. Feight is over the 黑料社 Center for Public History and has received a grant for marking historic Underground Railroad sites,鈥 she said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 including that in his class, having us look into those who escaped slavery, as well as those who helped the escapees.鈥
Recently, 黑料社 hosted the three-day symposium, Appalachian Studies in the Digital Age, which included sessions on Hispanic Heritage Month, the Underground Railroad, and included a student workshop that was led by local historian and filmmaker Amanda Page, for those interested in preserving the history of the buildings in Portsmouth which have not been historically marked.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just astounding that people who grew up here their entire lives don鈥檛 know just how much history this place holds,鈥 said Kline, who finds a great thrill in studying the area鈥檚 historical landmarks. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 very important to be able to preserve that.鈥
黑料社鈥檚 History program provides its students with a general understanding of the development of American, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern civilizations. Students learn to draw upon the insights and methods of various social science disciplines, and develop analytical capacities, research skills, and writing talents. Many graduates use their skills to pursue a career in law, education, journalism, government service, or the private sector.
To learn more about the History program at 黑料社, visit shawnee.edu/history. To explore the opportunities within the 黑料社 Center for Public History, visit shawnee.edu/center-public-history.