Appalachian Studies

Miami University Hamilton was founded in 1968, but how many recall the days when the campus was locally known as “Peck Tech”? Though no longer identified on the map, Peck’s Addition — where the Hamilton campus was located — was once a thriving residential neighborhood. Established in the 19th century, the Addition became a key port-of-entry during the Appalachian Great Migration of the 20th century, drawing many families from eastern Kentucky to Hamilton’s booming manufacturing jobs.

A new community history project based at Miami Hamilton seeks to recover the voices of Peck’s Addition and commemorate the history of this neighborhood for new generations. Project goals include an online oral history archive, accessible via Miami University Libraries; an Ohio Historical Marker; an index of residents known to have lived in Peck’s Addition; public programming as part of Miami University’s Appalachian Studies program; and student-led inquiry and research. While grassroots efforts, including a flourishing Facebook group, have kindled the memory of Peck’s Addition, this town hall seeks to connect the research centered on campus with the memories of those who lived in, or remember, the Peck’s Addition of old.

Panelists include:

• Matthew Smith, director of public programming, Miami Regionals (moderator)
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• Ashley Hopkins, project director for Miami University’s Upward Bound program; Appalachian Studies instructor AMS 205: Intro to Appalachia
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• Chris Maraschiello, history teacher, Hamilton City Schools; teaches history of Hamilton class
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• Brad Spurlock, manager of the Smith Library of Regional History and Cummins Local History Room for the Lane Libraries
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• Pauletta Hansel, Project Director, Urban Appalachian Community Coalition's
• "Kith and Kin" Project
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• Elissa Yancey, Executive Director, "A Picture's Worth"

Sponsored by Miami Regionals Appalachian Studies

RSVP at MiamiOH.edu/Regionals/Passport