I was born in southern Georgia and grew up hearing stories of the Longleaf Pine forest and its fate. After attending public schools, I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a master’s degree in history and the University of Tennessee with doctoral degree in history. The experiences at both engaged my interest in rural history and particularly in the changing landscapes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a fascination that continues to this day.

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After serving as the Director of the East Tennessee Historical Society and later the South Carolina Historical Society, I became the Director of the Filson Historical Society in Louisville, Kentucky, a role in which I served for 22 years prior to my retirement. While there I worked extensively with collections development, public programming, exhibition research and management, and production of various academic journals.

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As a retired historian I’m passionate about continuing my research and enjoy sharing that work with the public. I am interested in learning of related projects and potential collaborations; I am available for consultation with non-profits and businesses as well as cultural intuitions included but not limited to: libraries, historical societies and museums, schools, and universities.

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Currently I am completing a book on the history of agriculture in the United States published by Rowan and Littlefield, with an anticipated publication date of Spring 2020.

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When not working, I enjoy painting watercolors, photography, and writing. I divide my time between Louisville, Kentucky and St. Simons Island, Georgia with my artist wife, Glenna.

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Download my CV. (click PDF icon) 

 

 

References:

 

Professor Steve Aron

Department of History

University of California Los Angeles

 

Dale Couch

Curator of Decorative Arts

Georgia Museum of Art/University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia

 

James J. Holmberg

Curator of Collections

The Filson Historical Society

Louisville, Kentucky

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