Internship Spotlight: Unveiling the Past

Mattie Gilliam '26 Delves into Colonial History Through Explore America Program

Madeline “Mattie” Gilliam '26, a dedicated history and art history double major, spent their summer delving into the fascinating world of colonial Maryland through the prestigious Explore America Internship program offered by the Washington College Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience. This program provides Washington students with invaluable hands-on experiences at historical institutions nationwide. 

Mattie's internship took them to the Maryland State Archives, where they embarked on a mission to organize and index a captivating series of documents known as the "Rainbow Books." These volumes contain a treasure trove of historical records, including letters, legal documents, and military records, primarily from the colonial era.   

Funding for Mattie’s internship was provided by the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Maryland, with support from the Samuel Victor Constant Fellowship fund at the General Society of Colonial Wars. An endowment established by the Society in February 2024 will fully fund one internship annually, awarded as part of the Explore America program.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Society of Colonial Wars to facilitate important work by Washington College undergraduate researchers, while also supporting the State Archives’ ongoing efforts to make Maryland’s early history accessible to the general public,” said Adam Goodheart, the Starr Center’s Hodson Trust-Griswold Director. “The Society’s generosity will make it possible for many future students to enjoy opportunities similar to the ones that Mattie had.”

"These documents were difficult to access before," explained Gilliam. "There was no detailed index, so researchers had to sift through them manually. My job was to create a comprehensive index, clarify any unclear information, and essentially make these records more accessible for future scholars." 

One particularly intriguing figure Gilliam encountered in the Rainbow Books was Reverend Bennett Allen, a controversial clergyman whose career was marked by disputes and scandals. "He wasn't your typical reverend," they explained with a smile. "He moved from London with political connections, bounced between parishes, and even got into a duel!" 

Gilliam's meticulous work on the Rainbow Books contributes significantly to preserving and making accessible a wealth of information about Maryland's colonial social, political, and legal landscape. 

"This internship has been an amazing experience," reflected Gilliam. "It's solidified my passion for archives and research. While I wasn't initially drawn to American history, this project has sparked a genuine interest in the period." 

Beyond their academic pursuits, Gilliam finds working in archives deeply fulfilling. "I love history and preserving the past," they shared. "There's a real sense of satisfaction in knowing that my work will help researchers understand different aspects of history." 

Gilliam is still formulating their plans for the future but credits the internship with giving them a peek into work they may want to pursue.  

The Explore America internship program offers a platform for students to contribute meaningfully to historical research and cultural preservation. This program is open to all Washington College undergraduates. Visit the Starr Center’s webpages for more information. 

- Dominique Ellis Falcon