Hello

I'm a public historian in Asheville, NC, with a BA in History from UNC Asheville and an MA in Public History from Western Carolina University. I have primarily researched African American history in southern Appalachia from the early 19th to mid-20th centuries, though I’ve explored a wide range of historical topics and their intersections. I am particularly passionate about promoting accessibility through digital humanities, engaging with descendants, and fostering shared authority in historical work.

My Story

In 2019, I transitioned from a career as a pastry chef to pursue a degree in history. This shift was transformative and deeply rewarding. Public history can profoundly alter our understanding of the world, each other, and ourselves.

My approach to historical interpretation builds upon the French Annales school of the 1930s and the New Social History of the 1960s. These approaches challenged traditional "top-down" historical narratives, focusing on the experiences of everyday people and marginalized groups.

I prioritize engaging with descendants and promoting shared authority to expand our perspectives on the past and address unbalanced power dynamics between researchers and subjects. My aim is to create content that empowers and benefits the communities I study.