Project Leader: Dr. Kyung-Eun Yoon, Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication (MLLI)

This CoLab project invites students to participate in a community-engaged research initiative documenting the history of Korean Americans in the Baltimore region in collaboration with the Howard County Historical Society (HCHS). Founded in 1958, HCHS serves as the primary institution dedicated to collecting and preserving historical records and artifacts related to the history of Howard County. While the Korean population in the area is substantial and plays a significant role in its multicultural landscape, HCHS currently has no well-established archive or collection representing their presence, contributions, and stories.

Working closely with the faculty project leader and HCHS staff, students will collaboratively produce historically grounded narratives for a general audience and contribute to an initial searchable inventory within HCHS's collection database. The team will conduct hands-on archival and historical research using curated sources that trace Korean American life in the region through the early 2000s, some of which are written in Korean.

The project provides students with practical experience in archival research, public humanities, and community collaboration while contributing to the long-term preservation of local history.

Recommended skills, abilities, and interests for applicants:
Student members of the interdisciplinary team should share the following traits: intellectual curiosity, solid research skills, interest in archival research, strong written and oral communication skills, interest in regional history (including Korean immigration history), ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a willingness to lead sections of the project.

Additionally, we are looking for one or more students with the following skills and interests: data-related skills, including experience with or interest in learning research databases and archival software (such as PastPerfect); competence in Korean to support translation and summary writing (and possibly to talk to community members who may be more comfortable using Korean).