Samuel Davis’ research is about making connections between histories often studied in isolation. The professor of history’s work examines Indigenous removal and the colonization of free African Americans to Liberia in the early 19th century, exploring how these movements intertwined with the broader antislavery movement.
“Over the last several years, there has been a wealth of incredible scholarship produced by brilliant scholars that attends to those previous gaps in knowledge,” Davis said. “This is inspiring to me as I try to add to the conversation.”
Davis’ research is driven by an interest in Black political rhetoric and citizenship and the influence of his advisor, who specializes in Indigenous and Western histories. He has always been interested in the intersection between noncitizens, politics and law. His work highlights how these narratives have historically been examined separately rather than in conversation with one another.
By examining the intersections of Indigenous removal, colonization and the antislavery movement, he said he aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how political movements shaped and were shaped by the people involved.
Bringing History to Life
The process of historical research is much like detective work. A single document can reshape an entire perspective, adding nuance to well-established narratives. This investigative approach influences Davis’ teaching, where he encourages students to work with primary sources.
“History is exciting because of its messiness,” he said. “I always want students to engage with that messiness as we explore both what happened and the lasting impact of the past.”
His love for research and teaching stems from the mentorship he received as an undergraduate. A professor in the McNair Scholars Program recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue academia. Now, he aims to do the same for his students.
“Everything and everyone has a history,” he said. “While we explore the drama of history, students also get trained in the research, writing, analysis and communication skill sets that historians employ, which translates across multiple industries.”
Unexpected Discoveries in the Archives
While his primary research focuses on 19th-century American history, archival work often leads to unexpected findings. During a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, he stumbled upon letters detailing efforts to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
“I spent some time in a rabbit hole reading correspondence between the governor of Massachusetts and elected officials in western states advocating for them to make Thanksgiving a holiday,” Davis said. “It was fascinating to get a better sense of the labor it took to cultivate it and get the broader public to buy into it as a celebratory occasion.”
Davis said history is not just a static record of the past. It is an evolving conversation. Through research and teaching, he continues to bring new perspectives to light, ensuring that the complexities of 19th-century America remain part of today’s dialogue.
