As a Research Assistant for the Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute (MCWI), my work involves keeping the memories of the past alive. Recently, the MCWI received three incredible scrapbooks filled with articles, poetry, and music from the Civil War Era. As the keeper of these stories, I want to share them with a large audience and bring an awareness and appreciation of our shared human connection throughout history. The arts are some of the oldest forms of expression we have and to me, perhaps one of our greatest embodiments of humanity. During times of strife, over and over people turn to all forms of art for comfort and inspiration. I want this project to serve as a reminder that we continue to persevere no matter the circumstances and how wonderful it is that we share so much with those who came before us. 

Throughout this process, I hope to bring awareness to the repeating patterns of humanity throughout history. My goal is to bring appreciation to these lost pieces of art and to remind people of the importance of remembering humanity during times of war. I want people to walk away finding a new way to connect with history and make it more accessible to the public. My project collaborators will work to gain an appreciation of early American music and poetry as well as learn more about the behind the scenes of music history archival work.