Taylor Mason, a 2017 B.A. in History and 2018 M.A. in Applied History graduate and archivist from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives, recently hosted an archival research visit for Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) student Michela Peterman. The trip emphasized the importance of archival research and its role in representing Pennsylvania’s rich history.
For Mason, the visit highlighted her background in Public History and how her career developed from opportunities she found through Shippensburg.
“Shippensburg was the starting point for so many great opportunities in my professional career,” Mason said. “With all the connections in the History Department, I applied for an internship with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives in Harrisburg, which I completed during the summer of 2017. After my Master’s graduation in 2018, a job opened in the same office and I’ve been working there since 2019,” Mason shared.
Now, Mason is encouraging current Ship students, like Peterman, to pursue similar opportunities. Thus far, Peterman has been analyzing the Personal Papers of former Representatives, many of which provide valuable insights into the legislative interests of the Members.
According to Mason, one of Peterman’s future projects includes reviewing collections from former Representatives of both political parties, such as the Personal Papers of Franklin L. Kury – a prominent advocate for environmental protection during the 1970s. She will also be utilizing committee records to provide background information on legislative initiatives.
“Most of our collections are curated by the former Representatives,” Mason explained. “In many cases, we receive numerous research files, although they might not cover every single issue that was covered during their time in the legislature.”
To address such gaps, the Pennsylvania House Archives works closely with partners across the region.
“We have a great relationship with other institutions in the Harrisburg region like the Pennsylvania State Archives, Pennsylvania State Library and the Library of the Senate of Pennsylvania,” said Mason. “We all work together to help fill in the gaps when we have researchers looking for specific topics.”
Beyond her career, Mason continues to strengthen her ties to Shippensburg. In December, she will become the president of the Shippensburg University Alumni Association Board of Directors.
“I’m excited to be leading the Alumni Association Board of Directors as President during the next year,” Mason said. “As President, I’d like to start an initiative where we contact department chairs for introductions and ask how the alumni board may be of use to their departments/current students.”
She also hopes to expand opportunities for alumni to serve within the community. “I’d love to see more service-oriented events for alumni to not only give back to the community but to help build stronger alumni connections through service,” Mason elaborated.
Reflecting on professional and personal experiences, Mason credits Ship with preparing her for her career and community involvement.
“I loved my time at Shippensburg and shout out to my amazing professors in the History Department,” she said. “Working in the Pennsylvania Capitol and seeing so many Shippensburg alumni is such an amazing feeling.”
Visits to places like the Pennsylvania House of Archives are just one of the many ways Shippensburg offers students like Peterman hands-on experience in their field of study.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Applied History program.
