Category Archives: Graduate Student News

News from the Department of History Graduate Students at BGSU

BGSU History MA Explores Digital Storytelling and Spatial History

03 Thursday Jun 2021

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Rob Carlock earned an MA in History and a Graduate Certificate in Public History from BGSU in May 2019.  This fall, he will enter his second year in the PhD Program in History at George Mason University.


Bowling Green State University was my home for 6 years as I worked my way through my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. I then left Ohio to pursue a PhD in history at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, sadly leaving behind a support network and family I had built during my time there. It has certainly been a challenge, especially since my first year has been synchronous online learning due to COVID-19. Although I have yet to meet my peers and faculty in-person, I was able to connect with many of them and begin to forge new relationships. With my peers, my connection is definitely a sense of unity that we are tackling such a daunting task together; with the faculty, my connection is a sense of confidence and support as they encourage me to continue identifying and expanding on my interests. 

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Reflections on My Work at Heritage Sylvania

08 Saturday Feb 2020

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By Katie Nowakowski

I have been very grateful for my opportunity to work with Heritage Sylvania, a history center and museum in Sylvania, Ohio, in 2019. Because it is such a small organization, I got to witness in depth how it is managed, what kind of workers are involved, and how a non-profit operates financially. Heritage Sylvania is run primarily by the executive director and I was the only other “office” employee. For this reason, I had a variety of tasks that were all important to the organization.

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Graduate Student Rebekah Brown Works with Archivists across State Lines to Develop her Thesis

19 Friday Apr 2019

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By Rebekah Brown

Image of Marion Neprude

When I applied for the History graduate program at BGSU, I had a general notion that I’d like to study what happened after the 19th Amendment ensured the right of women to vote in the United States. While I had lots of questions, like what citizenship education actually looked like or whether there was a generational gap in voting rates, spending time in various archives is what ultimately helped me develop a thesis topic. I took several trips to Columbus to visit the Ohio History Connection archives, which houses the Ohio League of Women Voters records. Since I was interested in post-suffrage women’s history, their 52-box collection seemed like a good place to start. Reading the minutes and publications of the OLWV helped me decide to frame my thesis as an investigation of the OLWV outreach to Ohio’s rural women in the 1920s. Continue reading →

MA History Student Rebekah Brown Used Local Research to Discover History of Women In Wood County

11 Tuesday Dec 2018

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I developed this project for my Local History course that helped me develop a set of skills that was extremely useful in developing my MA thesis. I started out questioning what happened in the lives of women as a result of the 19th Amendment, which ensured the right of American women to vote. My thesis uses the participation of rural women within the Ohio League of Women Voters in the 1920s to examine how voluntary activism was shaped in Ohio during the first decade after women had the vote. Since my Local History paper needed to be strongly attached to specific place, I decided to make a thesis chapter a case study of how the League of Women Voters fared in reaching the rural women of Wood County, which was dominantly agricultural at the time. Continue reading →

Lee Slusher, History MA student, writes about an important chapter in Toledo’s labor history

03 Monday Dec 2018

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Over the course of the last semesters I have worked on the strike of the AP Parts workers in Toledo, 1984. I found that it provides a fascinating perspective on labor relations and city-industry relations at a time of dramatic transformations in the industrial sector. Continue reading →

Dan Masters, History MA Student Awarded the Local History Publication Award for 2017

03 Monday Dec 2018

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Dan Masters Bowling Green State University master’s student was awarded the Local History Publication Award for 2017 from the Center For Archival Collections presenting on his work on Shermans Praetorian Guard: Civil War Letters of John McIntrye Lemmon 72nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Masters created the book from of his work indexing the letters of American Civil War soldiers writing home to Northwest Ohio newspapers. Masters was drawn to the project after writing his first book No Greater Glory which examined the writing of the 144th Ohio Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. While researching the book he happened upon thousands of Civil War letters from soldiers from Northwest Ohio in local papers and wondered how much more of this material was there? Masters began to index the letters in collaboration with the Center for Archival Collections to create an index of the letters. Continue reading →

Digitizing The Past: Interning For Monroe History Museum

17 Wednesday Oct 2018

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by Lee Slusher, MA Fall 2018

Over the course of the summer and early fall of 2018 I completed an internship for Monroe County Museum in Monroe, Michigan. The museum offers educational programs for scouts, elderly, and people of all ages. Monroe County Museum creates exhibits and presentations focused on Monroe Counties local history; they manage historical sites at their Territorial park and Monroe County Fairgrounds providing living history programs depicting life in Monroe County from the 1810s to the 1820s. Their collections and programs in the past traditionally focused on the region’s famous native General George Armstrong Custer. In recent years the museum has diversified their programming to educate about the unique history of Monroe County and its citizens. Their mission is to fuel and cultivate their visitors’ curiosity through the exploration of Monroe County’s rich and varied stories, joining together to unearth meaning and illuminate relevant connections between the past, present, and future. Continue reading →

Recognizing Excellence in Our History Students

06 Friday Apr 2018

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We held our annual Celebration of Excellence in History today. This was a collaborative effort of faculty, staff, Phi Alpha Theta and alums to recognize undergraduate and graduate student achievement with awards and scholarships.

 

GRADUATE AWARDS

 

LAWRENCE FRIEDMAN OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD

Established in 1993 in honor of Dr. Lawrence J. Friedman, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of the Department of History. This award is given for outstanding graduate student research.  The dissertation/thesis must be nominated in writing by the student’s mentor.

Presented by Dr. Ruth W. Herndon to Michael Horton

 

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE SEMINAR PAPER 

Awarded to a graduate student that submits the best paper from a History class during the 2017 year (Spring, Summer, and Fall 2017 semesters).

                                    Presented by Dr. Michael E. Brooks to Chris Lause

                                    Honorable Mention: Rebekah Brown 

 

OUTSTANDING TEACHING ASSISTANT AWARD

This award is presented to the graduate student recognized as the outstanding teaching assistant in the BGSU Department of History.

Presented by Dr. Kara E. Barr to Kaysie Harrington

 

OUTSTANDING DEPARTMENTAL CITIZEN AWARD 

Kyle Penzinski receives special recognition from peers in Phi Alpha Theta

This award is presented to a graduate student for meritorious contributions to the BGSU Department of History.

                                    Presented by Dr. Rebecca J. Mancuso to Kyle Penzinski

 

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
AND AWARDS

 

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXCELLENCE IN HISTORY AWARD

Presented to an undergraduate student who submits an excellent history research paper based on primary sources. Recipient agrees to present their work in a public forum sponsored by the Department of History.

Presented by Dr. Luke A. Nichter to Austin Kepling: “Thunderclap from a Cloudless Sky: German-Americans in Northwest Ohio during the Great War” Written for Dr. Benjamin Greene’s HIST 4800: 20th Century America (Fall 2017)

 

JO ENGER ARTHUR SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDY ABROAD

 Created in 2001 by Jo Enger Arthur’s son, Mike Arthur, BGSU class of 1974, in honor of his mother’s interest in history and overseas travel.  Jo Arthur studied history at BGSU, where she later met her husband E. Printy Arthur, BGSU class of 1950. This scholarship offers support for study abroad for majors or minors in history, integrated social studies, international studies, or European language.  Applicants will normally have completed at least 12 hours of history courses and have a GPA in history of 3.2 or higher.

Presented by Dr. Kara E. Barr to Emily Ambrose

STUART R. AND FLORENCE P. GIVENS SENIOR HISTORY SCHOLARSHIP

Established in 2001 in honor of Dr. Stuart R. Givens, former Chair and Professor Emeritus of the History Department, and University historian, and his wife Florence P. Givens.  Dr. Given’s forty-five year career was dedicated primarily to his two loves – teaching and service to the University and to the Bowling Green community. This award is presented to a rising senior majoring in history or integrated social studies with a minimum GPA of 3.2.  The student must have a strong record of service to the department, University, or community.

Presented by Dr. Rebecca J. Mancuso to Cooper Clark

THE GROVER AND VIRGINIA PLATT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Established in 1989 in memory of Dr. Grover Platt, former Chair and Professor Emeritus of the Department of History by his wife Dr. Virginia Platt.  The scholarship was later changed by the couple’s daughter, Carolyn V. Platt, to honor both parents.  Dr. Virginia Platt was a former trustee of the University and served on the History Department faculty. Awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in history.  Preference given to students who are the first generation of their family to attend a college or university, and recognizes academic achievement.

Presented by Dr. Nicole M. Jackson to Rebecca Good and Annebell Meddock

 

JOHN SCHWARZ ESSAY AWARD

Established in honor of John Schwarz, former Chair of the Department of History.  This scholarship is awarded to a history major for the best essay completed for a history requirement.

Presented by Dr. Luke A. Nichter to Ernest Valladares III “Disaster in Africa: An Examination of the Combat Development of the United States Army at Kasserine Pass,” written for Dr. Benjamin Greene’s HIST 4800: 20th Century America (Fall 2017)

 

Dr. Nwauwa presents Fulwyler award to Good and Money

GENERAL NILES J. FULWYLER HISTORY SCHOLARSHIP

Established for the purpose of providing scholarships to History students and to honor the memory of Dr. Virginia Platt.  General Fulwyler received the BGSU Distinguished Alumni Award in 1984.  Dr. Virginia Platt was a former trustee of the University and served on the History Department faculty. 

Presented by Dr. Apollos Okwuchi Nwauwa to Rebecca Good and Jacob Money

 

MARY ELLEN KEIL SCHOLARSHIP

Established by Mary Ellen Keil, a graduate of BGSU.  Keil was a school teacher and later served as a Captain in the USAFR during WWII.  This scholarship is granted to a student who has declared an interest in pursuing studies in history. Preference is given to females, native Ohioans, and for scholastic achievement.  All eligible candidates are automatically referred to the department by the enrolling office. There is no application for the scholarship.

Presented by Dr. Amílcar E. Challú to Renee Altaffer; Debi Kaur; Moira Armstrong; Annabelle Meddock; Kelly Beavers; Anne Mier; Aislinn Bill; Sarah Miller; Chloe Bortz; Megan Miner; Rebecca Good; Kaitlin Osborne; Alannah Graves; Kinzey Schreiber; Haley Hoffman; Olivia Vandevender; Taylor Holtman; Brooke Weirick; Victoria Kahrs; Mary Wires; Alexis Karolin.

OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN HISTORY AWARD

Presented to a senior history major for service to the Department and fellow majors combined with demonstrated academic excellence.

Presented by Dr. Rebecca J. Mancuso to Jake Householder

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Special recognition for an exemplary role in leading the History Society, assistance with the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, social media, Preview and Presidents’ Day or other History Department activities and events. 

Presented by Dr. Nicole M. Jackson to Dominique Seo

 

BGSU at OAH

27 Tuesday Mar 2018

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BGSU History students, faculty, and alumni formed a lively presence at the Ohio Academy of History’s recent conference at the University of Dayton on March 23-24, 2018.  Their participation showed that History Falcons foster a valuable network within the state and help maintain the profession of teaching, researching, and writing History.

The panel from OAH, all BGSU alumni. From left to right: Dr. Kevin Kern, Mr. Chris Blubaugh, and Dr. Dustin McLochlin. Also known as the all-beard panel!

Rebekah A. S. Brown, a first-year History M.A. student at BGSU, presented her paper, “The Ohio Company, Medical Practice, and Westward Expansion, 1786-1794,” in a session on “Medicine, Society and Images of America in late 18th and early 19th Centuries.”  It is noteworthy that her work was accepted for presentation while she is still in her first year of our graduate program.

Don C. Eberle (BGSU Ph.D., 2013) presented his paper, “‘Our Airmen Were Hoping to Raid Cologne Every Night Week After Next’: Harry ‘Bud’ Fisher, an American Censor in the British Army during the First World War,” in a session on “The American Experience in the First World War.”  Dr. Eberle now teaches at Northwest State Community College in Archbold.

Chris Blubaugh (BGSU M.A., 2013) and Dustin McLochlin (BGSU Ph.D., 2014) presented papers in a panel on “19th Century Presidents: New Perspectives.”  Mr. Blubaugh, now teaching at Ohio Dominican University, presented a paper on “Protecting Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to the Nation’s Capital.”  Dr. McLochlin, now Curator at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, presented a paper on “Complicated Narratives: Rutherford B. Hayes.”  Chair and commentator Dr. Kevin Kern (BGSU Ph.D., 1997) moderated a lively discussion among those who attended the session.  Dr. Kern is Associate Professor at the University of Akron, author of Ohio: A History of the Buckeye State (2013), co-founder and editor of the Northeast Ohio Journal of History, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio Academy of History.

Dr. Herndon (left) presenting Dr. Jackson (right) the Junior Faculty Research Grant Award for her book project.

During the conference award ceremony, Dr. Ruth Herndon, Professor of History at BGSU and chair of the Ohio Academy’s Junior Faculty Research Grant Award Committee, presented the dual award to BGSU faculty colleague Dr. Nicole Jackson and to Dr. Tom Weyant, who teaches at the University of Akron.  Dr. Jackson’s award-winning book project is “Colonization in Reverse: Black British Family Activism in ‘Post’-Imperial England,” a study of Black British immigrants from the British Caribbean to London and other locales from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Also during the conference award ceremony, Dr. Dwayne Beggs (BGSU Ph.D, 2010) presented the Academy’s Teaching Award to Dr. Mitchell Lerner, Professor of History at Ohio State University.  This was most appropriate, as Dr. Beggs, now Assistant Professor at Lourdes University, himself won the outstanding graduate teaching award from the History Department in 2010.

BGSU History students, faculty, and alumni thoroughly enjoyed seeing each other at the Ohio Academy’s conference.  They renewed professional ties, exchanged news about their teaching and scholarship, and encouraged each other in their shared work of practicing history around the state.

 

 

 

 

“Patriots, Loyalists, and Revolution” Activity in Revolutionary America

15 Thursday Mar 2018

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This entry, written by BGSU student Nicole Schwaben, is about a “Reacting to the Past” game led by Dr. Andrew Schocket in HIST 4220, America in the Revolutionary Era, Spring 2018. If interested, secure your spot in this Fall 2018’s reacting to the past (HIST 3910) course!

 

In the game, Patriots, Loyalists, and Revolution, which our class played in HIST 4220, all students are assigned a role, whether it be in the Crowd/Gallery or within the Provincial Congress. I was assigned the character of John Cuyler, Jr., a member of the Moderate faction within the Provincial Congress. Additionally, there were also Loyalist and Patriot factions in the Provincial Congress. Along with the other Moderates, I had a unique position in which I could sway the direction of the game. Both the Loyalists and the Patriots needed the votes of the Moderates in order to reach their objectives.

As Moderates, we tried our best to provide a fair and level-headed perspective of the issues at hand. However, this

Game in development 

proved to be difficult at times. Many of the Moderates, myself included, were in debt; therefore, a member of the Loyalist faction somewhat controlled us. This was frustrating for the Moderate faction because we also desired to maintain autonomy. Without autonomy, we would not be able to make our own thoughtful decisions. Instead, we would be forced to put our personal beliefs aside and act as our creditors wanted, or face the consequences.

In my role, I was also the publisher of a newspaper that was distributed twice throughout the game. This gave me control of the media, including the ability to report on other events, cover what speeches and debates happened during the game sessions, and leave my own commentary on what actions I believed the Provincial Congress should take. The other factions seemed to notice the power that the newspaper held, and both sides attempted to use that to their advantage. At the beginning, the Loyalist faction nominated me to be speaker. I assumed I was nominated so that the member of the Loyalist faction, Frederick Phillipse, whom I was indebted to, could control my actions. Luckily, I was not chosen to be speaker. On the Patriot side, Judge Livingston also tried to gain control of the newspaper. Livingston offered to pay off my debts, as long as chose to vote in favor of the Committee of Inspection and write my newspaper in a way that benefited the Patriots. I refused to agree to these conditions, largely because I desired my newspaper to be relatively unbiased.

Unfortunately, there were consequences for not agreeing to the terms set by the Patriot faction. Because I refused, the Patriot faction mobbed me. The mob was an incredibly stressful situation in which I was not provided much time to make a decision, but had several options. I could attempt to form a counter mob; however, there was not enough people to accomplish that. I could shoot into the mob; however, that seemed risky and I did not want to promote violence. I could submit to the Patriot’s wishes, but then I would lose my autonomy. I could resist the mob, but then I would have been tarred and feathered and my newspaper would have been destroyed. I decided to flee to a British ship and miss the rest of the session, effectively ending the game for me.

Patriots, Loyalists, and Revolution allows students to immerse themselves into history. Students are encouraged to do their research on the American Revolutionary era, which enables them to play their character to the best of their ability and accomplish historically accurate objectives in the game. Through the speeches and debates during the game, students are able to empathize and gain a better understanding of those who actually faced these issues before the breakout of the American Revolutionary War.

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