Exposing a Hidden History

Adam Johnson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:42 +0000

Amber in Costume at Charles Towne Landing

Amber Clawson, a candidate for the Master of Arts in History and a Graduate Assistant here in the Grad School Office, is quite obviously a woman of many talents. In addition to her academic and professional career at The Graduate School of the College of Charleston, she has distinguished herself as a volunteer and researcher at the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

For those who may not know, Charles Towne Landing is a park and interpretive center depicting the lives of the earliest settlement in Carolina Colony, established in 1670. Special exhibits include living history interpreters in costume, a native forest featuring flora and fauna indigenous to the area during the time of European settlement, and a fantastic replica of a seventeenth-century ship. You can see the park for yourself this Saturday as they celebrate Colonial Trades and Harvest Day. Demonstrations such as musket and cannon firing and natural wool dying will be on display, and Amber will be giving a featured presentation on the first women of Carolina. This is a history topic that is not very often explored in depth, and Amber will be presenting some fascinating original research. Here’s a summary of what she’ll be discussing:

Women, at first glance, appear absent from the historical record but further research demonstrates that women played a vital role in the establishment of the Carolina colony. Despite hardship, servitude and enslavement, the women of Charles Towne forged a community in the Atlantic World. This presentation examines the initial settlement at Albemarle Point from 1670 until 1700, specifically the European, African, and Native American women. Grounded in court documents and personal correspondence, the work highlights themes of family, diversity, and power in the colonial community. In the historical memory the colonial South is a place characterized by plantation hierarchy. This presentation provides a glimpse at the multitude of experiences of the first women of Carolina, before the plantations, when the success of the colony was still uncertain.

This has been an in-depth project for Amber, and she wishes to express her thanks to Dr. Scott Poole, our Graduate History program director, for his support and guidance. She also wishes to thank Interpretive Park Rangers Michelle Crouse and John Hiatt, who introduced her to the world of state historic sites, shared their research, and were always willing to help.

Be sure to come and witness a day of engaging history and learn about lives of women who have so often been overlooked in history. Amber will be presenting her findings in the Visitors’ Center Classroom at 1 P.M. The park is open 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.; for admission prices and park details visit the Charles Towne Landing website.

Guest blogger: How I survived my first year as a grad student

Niki DeWeese — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:55:28 +0000

Amber and I first met at a graduate school fair in the mountains of North Carolina, and I couldn’t be happier that she chose to attend The Graduate School of the College of Charleston. Not only did she choose College of Charleston, but she also chose to work with our office as a graduate assistant. “Miss Amber” as we call her around the office, is full of energy and always has a smile ready for anyone that walks through the door. Below is her account of her first year as a grad student.

One Year Down!

Upon entering the history graduate program at the College of Charleston, two more years of school seemed like a lifetime! But here I am, the first year flew by, and I’m no worse for the wear.

I improved scholastically and met some incredible people!

The GSO Grad Assistants, Bree, Amber, Bonnie, Gwen and Tiffany

I moved from a small mountain hamlet to Charleston, South Carolina. Before the school year began, I was hired as a graduate assistant. Through this quirky office setting, I found a surrogate family. The ladies keep me laughing and the impressive career of a gentleman in the office, reminds me what I have the potential to accomplish. The position keeps me in contact with prospective students, current students, and faculty from our 28 different programs. I am exposed daily to the exciting projects and research happening throughout the College. The most important thing I learned in this office is that the faculty is dedicated to student success.

Joi, Chris, Amber, Gwen and Eric

Initially afraid that dedicated, academic pursuit might limit opportunities to make friends, I soon experienced quite the opposite. The first-years in my program bonded during class discussions, over research, and even an occasional beer. We ran the gauntlet of a staggering workload and survived! (”Survive” may seem like a strong word for me to use, but there were definitely times we wondered whether or not we’d make it) Once we realized that we could survive, my fellow first-years and I relaxed. We became friends. We continue to hone our academic skills. On a professional level, we learned one another’s research interests and career goals. My colleagues and I share ideas, pass along readings, and support each other. And when our brains need a rest, we get to play in Charleston!

Joi, Kristin, and Amber

I am so fortunate to have these friends and colleagues in my life. When I left my small home town for the first time, I was convinced that making friends in graduate school would be impossible. But I found them and am better for it.

The Graduate School Blog » History

Exposing a Hidden History

Guest blogger: How I survived my first year as a grad student