Scholars News Desk
Knowing Our History
October 15, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. –This past year, five College Park Scholars alumni participated in a yearlong history course that combined the study of the history of slavery and the University of Maryland’s relation to it. The second aspect of the course was the opportunity for students to conduct research on slavery in Prince George’s County and put together a report about their findings, entitled “Knowing Our History: African American Slavery and the University of Maryland.” The course was co-instructed by Dr. Ira Berlin, a distinguished professor specializing in United States history and the chair of Scholars Faculty Advisory Council.
Public Leadership alumni Mara James and Jonathan Sachs, American Cultures alumni Ross Krublit and Shoshi Weiss, and Media, Self and Society alumnus Mike Kurkjian were among the members of the History 429 research team. Mara James, a junior majoring in government and politics with a double minor in French and international development and conflict management, was excited by the opportunity to research and learn more about a history topic that she has always found incredibly important.
“While we have not found evidence that the university was built directly through slave labor, it is clear that a lot of construction and products likely came from slaves in Prince George’s county,” said James. “It is important that we know that and look at it from today’s perspective.”
James also credits College Park Scholars with helping her find out about the course and encouraging her academic success. “Scholars had given me experience in working in groups, which was very important in this course. It also helped me to learn how to connect my personal interests to my education.”
The students’ project was also featured in an article in the Saturday, October 10, 2009 edition of The Washington Post. The article highlights the work that the students have done, how it affects others, and the actions that they are hoping result from the research. To view the Washington Post article, please visit the Washington Post's website.
To view the “Knowing Our History” website and download the course’s research publication, please visit the course website.
For more information on this press release, contact Kevin Baxter at (301) 314-1522, or bax@umd.edu.
