The National Science Foundation has awarded a $336,300 grant to the Northern Kentucky University’s Parker Academy project in New Richmond.
The grant is for Research Experiences for Undergraduates and involves a three-year trans-disciplinary collaboration under the direction of Dr. William Landon, Dr. Sharyn Jones, and Dr. Brian Hackett.
The work to be done by undergraduates will build on previous work at the Parker Academy and both faculty and student research will focus on exploring important real world problems include race, gender equality and social justice in American History through excavations and archival research at the Academy.
Students dig at the site. (File photo)
The Parker Academy, founded in 1839, was, evidence suggests, the first school in Ohio, and possibly the country, to offer education to both boys and girls, regardless of race — in the same classroom.
Most importantly this grant enables the research team to hire up to 15 undergraduate students each year to work as research fellows.
The foundation for this project is built on a wide range of community partnerships including that with the Village of New Richmond, with Greg Roberts (the landowner), and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which is planning an upcoming exhibition based upon the findings.
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See these NKyTribune stories about the project:
NKU, Underground Railroad Freedom Center partner to excavate historic Parker Academy
Unearthing the story of historic Parker Academy
Collaborations on critical social issues at Parker
