Small Looks Toward Shore's Future, Past Through Research

SALISBURY, MD---Dr. Clara Small is looking toward the Eastern Shore’s future—by revisiting its past.

The professor of history in Salisbury University’s Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts conducts interviews this summer with some of the Shore’s oldest and most prominent residents in an attempt to document the area’s past for future generations.

“I want to capture the true flavor of the Shore,” she said. “There have been lots of genealogical studies conducted in this area, and histories have been written about specific towns and counties, but there is not a single, cohesive source covering the history of the entire Eastern Shore.”

Her research will cover three areas: descendants of local slaves freed during the Civil War specifically to fight for the Union, a history of African-Americans on the Eastern Shore and a collection of stories from the region’s oldest residents, both African-American and Caucasian, chronicling early 20th century life in the area.

“The individuals to be interviewed will cover all segments of society, from politicians to morticians to painters, writers, civil rights leaders and participants, educators, business persons and veterans of wars,” Small said.

She currently is seeking older community residents to interview for the project. Anyone interested should contact Small at 410-543-6523 or e-mail clsmall@salisbury.edu.