By Jackson Hawkins
On Feb. 7, the 1856 Project conducted their first annual research update findings in a report presentation that took place in the special events room in McKeldin Library.
The 1856 Project is the University of Maryland’s chapter of Universities Studying Slavery, a university collective which aims to examine the history of slavery at different universities and educate the general public on their findings. The research update, with panelists ranging from research fellows to doctorate level researchers, explained UMD’s historical ties to the local landscape of slavery.
Lae’l Hughes-Watkins, who serves as the research investigation co-chair as well as associate director of special collection and university archives, brought up her findings about UMD, formerly known as Maryland Agricultural College, receiving purchasing shares from slave owners in its founding in 1856.
“MAC was a safe harbor for the anti-black rhetoric ideals, as well as a beacon for Confederate sympathizers and leadership within the Confederacy,” Hughes-Watkins said.
According to the 1856 Project report, Charles Calvert, the founder of MAC, was a descendant of slave owners. He owned 52 slaves in 1860, and many of them lived and worked on his Riversdale plantation, which encompassed a large part of UMD’s current campus. In addition, one of MAC’s earliest trustees, William Tilghman Goldsborough and his family enslaved 55 known individuals.
Summer research fellow Myia Elum researched Josiah Adams, a freedman in Prince George’s County who was a landowner of approximately 49.50 acres, according to 1870 census records. Adams established a cemetery for African Americans on land he acquired after the Civil War, which is now Cherry Hill cemetery in Riverdale Park.
Elum said she found it important to participate in this project because she believes it is imperative that students learn the history surrounding African Americans’ involvement in UMD’s creation.
“We [African Americans] already have such a low representation even though we make up such a big part of the community … so I think it’s important because we’re being counted out in an environment that we essentially created to thrive,” Elum said.
A research report this large requires many hands to make it work and the 1856 Project was no different. While there are lots of people to credit throughout the process, UMD’s Diversity and Inclusion Vice President Georgina Dodge wants the students to get the recognition they deserve.
“[The students] really laid the foundational groundwork,” Dodge said. The students who volunteered as a part of the 1856 project, combed through hundreds of 20th century ledger pages in order to find ties to slavery within the institution.
Dodge was incredibly pleased with the event and even more proud about how the 1856 Project brought together a wide variety of backgrounds to ensure that UMD students learn more about the history of the university.
“Those who may not be majoring in history or majoring in archaeology nonetheless can contribute to the discoveries that are important to uncovering the history of our institution,” Dodge said.
The 1856 Project’s report also mentioned that it submitted a proposal to the Mellon Foundation requesting a $200,000 grant to increase capacity for research, in partnership with the Lakeland Community Heritage Project, the Riversdale Historical Society and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The 1856 Project is also looking into hiring a postdoctoral fellow that can bring a fresh perspective and expertise for research scholarly productions.
Along with the Mellon grant proposal, it was announced that UMD will be hosting the three-day Universities Studying Slavery Conference in 2026; the same year that marks the 250th anniversary of the United States’ conception.
Featured Image: McKeldin Mall on a fall day in 2018.
Stories Beneath the Shell 