Author: Kailee Rowe | Major: History and Classics | Semester: Spring 2025
Hello! My name is Kailee Rowe, and I am a History and Classics double major and a Medieval and Renaissance studies minor. My undergraduate research is currently focused on studying early medieval historiographies regarding the ethnogenesis myths of Britain. I have recently been accepted into the 4+1 MA History program, through which I plan to continue my historical research into the history of the Anglo-Saxons and surrounding peoples. I recently took a trip to the Newberry Library in Chicago to participate in a workshop titled “Race and Book History,” where we facilitated discussions about how race and racism is conceptualized in premodern books, as well as how these discussions can and should be implemented in contemporary scholarship.
We got the chance to physically interact, analyse, and present these premodern artefacts with our peers to continue our discussion of how race is conceptualised in medieval and premodern media!
Having taken an online course through the library titled “World in Books: 1100-1800,” I applied for this workshop to continue my studies in book history, but this time through the lens of race. I met a few of my former classmates in person, and we were able to connect through meaningful conversations using the knowledge we had acquired through our course as well as using the topics encouraged by Stacey A. Gibson, the lead speaker and founder of Transform the Collective. With her guidance, we were able to have an open discussion on race and how it is approached, and why its discussion is often avoided and even feared. We were also introduced to several artefacts from the library’s collection, where we applied our previous conversations as well as utilized analyzation skills to familiarize ourselves and each other to these materials. While this was an amazing opportunity on its own, I was particularly excited because I recognized many of these artefacts from our online lectures!
Being able to connect to other students from across the country, all connected by our shared interest in book history as well as a determination for the inclusion of all voices, proved to be invaluable for my academic and professional development. This workshop supplements my development in historical analyzation skills, particularly in manuscripts and books, which directly aligns with my interests within my medieval and classical studies. Although my predominant area of study focuses on early medieval Britain, it would be incorrect to assume that this history only involves one group of people with one story to tell. Indeed, the narrative the Newberry Library Center for Renaissance Studies continuously pushes is that medieval history is global. An important goal of mine as a history student is to acknowledge and support awareness for the voices from the past that were either silenced by their contemporaries or through continuous avoidance or suppression by previous scholars—whether intentional or not. Additionally, our discussions on race for this workshop was important even beyond our focus on the study of book history. We established that although these discussions can be uncomfortable, or even scary, part of the process of healing includes acknowledging how race has and still does shape our communities today. It is especially important to include this discussion in academia, where often these topics are avoided or silenced altogether.
Visiting the Newberry Library was a transformative experience where I was able to connect with faculty and fellow students alike. The environment we were able to create—one of openness, understanding, and respect for each other—was an encouraging step that inspired my future approaches to my studies and beyond. I highly recommend others to apply to workshops and similar opportunities, even if it is something that might seemingly diverge from your primary research interests. Expanding one’s experience across disciplines can be an inspiration for academic and professional developments that can’t be predicted. I especially advise students at the University of Arkansas to utilize our membership to the consortium and to look into the opportunities that the Newberry Library provides!