My research focuses on the social, cultural, and economic history of South Carolina and the Appalachian region, with particular attention to children, families, labor, community life, and the impact of industrialization. Through archival research, historical analysis, and the study of local history, I seek to better understand how ordinary people experienced periods of change and how their stories shaped the communities in which they lived.
My work examines South Carolina's transformation during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a period marked by industrial growth, changing labor systems, and evolving community structures. I am particularly interested in how these developments affected daily life and contributed to the state's social and economic identity.
A major focus of my research is the growth of South Carolina's textile industry and its impact on workers, families, and communities. I study the transition from tenant farming to mill work and explore how industrialization created new opportunities while also introducing social and economic challenges. This research investigates the relationship between labor, community development, and economic change throughout the region.
The experiences of children are central to my research. I examine the role of child labor within textile mill communities and the ways economic necessity, education, family expectations, and industrial demands shaped childhood experiences. By studying children's work, family responsibilities, and educational opportunities, I seek to better understand the human impact of industrialization.
Industrialization affected more than employment; it reshaped family relationships and community structures. My research explores how families adapted to changing economic conditions and how mill villages influenced housing, education, religion, recreation, and social life. These studies highlight the connections between work, family, and community identity.
My research interests extend into the Appalachian region, where I investigate local history, cultural traditions, labor systems, and community development. I am particularly interested in how Appalachian communities preserved cultural identity while adapting to economic and social change. This work contributes to broader discussions of regional history, heritage, and memory.
I believe local history provides valuable insight into larger historical themes. My research utilizes local records, newspapers, photographs, oral histories, government documents, and archival collections to reconstruct the stories of individuals, families, and communities. Through this work, I seek to make historical research accessible to broader audiences and contribute to the preservation of community heritage.
My work combines traditional historical methods with digital research tools and archival investigation. Sources frequently include:
These materials help illuminate the lived experiences of individuals whose stories are often overlooked in larger historical narratives.
My current areas of study include:
History allows us to better understand the experiences of people whose lives shaped our communities and institutions. By examining labor, childhood, family life, and local communities, my research seeks to preserve these stories and contribute to a deeper understanding of South Carolina, Appalachia, and the broader American experience.
Through historical research, I aim to connect the past with the present, preserve community memory, and promote greater understanding of the people and places that shaped our world.