Are you passionate about American history? Smithfield is calling for community members (university students, faculty, residents Southwestern Virginia, and beyond) to write a reflection after their visit to Smithfield. The topics Smithfield covers are many and can inspire many directions of thought.
Why Smithfield?
Smithfield is located in what is now Blacksburg, Virginia. It was built between 1772 - 1774 and is the ancestral home of the Preston family. Today, as a museum, it aspires to provide perspective from the past, insight for the present, and inspiration for the future. The stories at William Preston's Smithfield influence people to be courageous and to seek justice by acting as leaders in their lives and communities. At William Preston’s Smithfield, we focus on four main values: courage, leadership and education, and justice.
It is our goal to make Smithfield into a place that is inclusive to all people groups. Smithfield tells histories that are often inspiring and sometimes really challenging. Regardless of the topics we cover, Smithfield fosters dialogue that builds empathy and understanding. Those connected with it aspire to make Smithfield a safe place for unsafe ideas.
Topics we cover:
1. Early American history (specifically, but not limited to Colonialism through Reconstruction), including political, social, and military themes connected to the three major populations inhabiting the lands Smithfield occupies: indigenous people groups, western/European colonizers, enslaved Africans and their descendants.
2. Slavery, liberty, and human rights
3. The impact of history on current human events
4. Appalachian culture
5. Virginia history
Content Categories:
1. History-related, including Colonial, African American, and Indigenous people.
2. Statistical Analysis- Data Collection.
3. Short Reports.
4. Contemporary issues.
5. Social analysis.
6. Observations about regional history and culture.
7. Topics related to Smithfield’s four values: Courage, Leadership, Education, and Justice.
Writing & Editing General Guidelines:
Smithfield will review both formal and informal submissions.
Informal submissions may include creative writing (poetry or prose inspired by Smithfield’s themes). Informal writing should be free from major grammatical errors, unless artistic license is required.
Formal submissions should follow the following guidelines:
1. Writing should follow AP, Chicago, MLA, or APA Style guidelines.
2. Types of Writing Styles.
2.1. Expository
2.2. Descriptive
2.3. Persuasive
2.4. Narrative
3. The writing piece must include a title and/or related subheadings if applicable.
4. All data should be properly cited according to the chosen writing style.
5. All images and diagrams should be uploaded in a high resolution.
6. Writing submissions should be between 750-1000 words.
7. Your submission should not be formally published online or offline without express permission from the Smithfield-Preston Foundation. To inquire about publication, please contact info@historicsmithfield.org to discuss.