Southern History Association: Origins and Evolution
The study of the American South has long been a focal point for scholars seeking to understand the complex social and political fabric of the region. Central to this academic pursuit is the Southern History Association, an organization born from a desire to professionalize the study of regional history and create a sustainable network for scholars.
The Path to Professionalization
The road to the current association began with an earlier, short-lived attempt. The Southern History Association was preceded by an organization of a similar name, also called the Southern History Association. This initial group was characterized by a highly academic focus but lacked the longevity to survive, folding in 1909 after existing for just over a decade.
By the 1920s, a new vision for the study of Southern history emerged. Frederick Jackson Turner, a prominent historian, envisioned a robust network that could mirror the structure and sustainability of the American Historical Association. To bring this vision to life, Turner encouraged his doctoral student, Thomas Perkins Abernethy, to establish the groundwork for a new organization.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Catalysts for Founding
According to historian and former SHA president Bethany Johnson, two primary drivers led to the eventual founding of the association:
- Professionalization: Since the late 19th century, Southern historians had felt a growing need to standardize and professionalize their approach to historical research.
- The Southern Renaissance: This cultural and intellectual movement sparked the creation of numerous professional academic societies across the South, providing a fertile environment for the association to take root.
Founding Leadership
The establishment of the association was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several key figures. Among the founders were Thomas Perkins Abernethy, W. Darrell Overdyke of Centenary College of Louisiana, and Philip M. Hamer of the National Archives.
| Entity/Person | Role/Context |
|---|---|
| Frederick Jackson Turner | Conceived the organization in the 1920s |
| Thomas Perkins Abernethy | Doctoral student of Turner and association founder |
| W. Darrell Overdyke | Founder from Centenary College of Louisiana |
| Philip M. Hamer | Founder from the National Archives |
| Southern Renaissance | Cultural movement that fostered academic societies |
Key Facts
- The original Southern History Association folded in 1909.
- The current association was conceived in the 1920s.
- Frederick Jackson Turner modeled the organization after the American Historical Association.
- The Southern Renaissance provided the cultural momentum for the association's creation.
- Founders included Thomas Perkins Abernethy, W. Darrell Overdyke, and Philip M. Hamer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was there a Southern History Association before the current one?
Yes, a previous organization with the same name existed for a little over a decade before folding in 1909.
Who was the primary inspiration behind the association's creation?
Frederick Jackson Turner conceived the idea in the 1920s and urged his student, Thomas Perkins Abernethy, to build the necessary network.
What was the Southern Renaissance?
The Southern Renaissance was a period that saw the formation of many professional academic societies in the South, contributing to the founding of the association.
Which organization served as a model for the SHA?
The association was intended to be similar in nature and sustainability to the American Historical Association.
Who were the key founders of the association?
The founders included Thomas Perkins Abernethy, W. Darrell Overdyke of Centenary College of Louisiana, and Philip M. Hamer of the National Archives.