Charleston Women Spring 2021

www. Char l es tonWomen . com | www. Char l es tonWomenPodcas t . com | www. ReadCW. com CW Can you describe what life is like for you as the assistant curator? Right now, my work is particularly exciting, as I assist in building the artifact collection. Based on the content of each exhibit, I research and locate historical and contemporary items that illustrate the stories. To locate potential artifacts, I have to be familiar with all aspects of each exhibit. One day my focus is on a South Carolinian; the next day I could be researching artifacts related to trade and navigation in ancient Africa. What will be your favorite exhibit, and why is it so special to you? Because I work with all the exhibitions, it’s difficult to select just one. However, as a former United States history professor, I am drawn to the scope of our exhibition on United States history as a lens into the history of the African Diaspora. CHERYL GERMAN - finance assistant. Born and raised in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant, Cheryl attended the College of Charleston and, in addition to her role at the IAAM, she is the acting executive director of the Old Village Community Association Inc. and serves on the board of the African American Historic Settlement Commission. What is your role at IAAM? I help with recordkeeping, compiling, documenting and recording the distribution of funds used during the construction period. I am also developing detailed guidelines and procedures of a financial assistant for whomever is in this position in the future. Is there a particular event/memory in your life that connected you to this project? Yes, there are several. As an 8th grade student at Laing School in the Six Mile community of Mount Pleasant, I participated in the walk from Laing School to downtown Charleston in 1968, during the time of desegregation. My mother was a nurse at MUSC and participated in the nurses’ strike. I have been involved with the first Afro American Society at the College of Charleston, The Old Village Community Association (OVCA) and the African American Settlement Community Historic Commission (AASC). What will be your favorite exhibit and why? Although this is a difficult question to answer, I think the Center for Family History. The untold stories will no doubt capture my attention the most. In less than a year, there will be a new home for American history, right here in Charleston. The entire nation can experience a journey of centuries through exhibitions, learn from the past and celebrate the many contributions African Americans have made to this country. While the film “Hidden Figures” is loosely based on a nonfiction book, the characters and their accomplishments as African American female mathematicians who worked at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Space Race are factual. Now we have three local ladies, also doing great things — but in front of the modern world to see. feature To learn more about the IAAM or how to donate or become a member, visit iaamuseum.org .