Isabelle Reimer

Master of Science in Historic Preservation

Isabelle Reimer is a graduate of Valdosta State University, where she received a BA in History with a contention in Public History. During her time at VSU, she created 2 exhibits. Her first exhibit about Education, titled “Persistence through Resistance,” surrounded Valdosta Georgia’s Equalization schools, where she worked with personal accounts and items of minority communities. Due to the high levels of research about Predominantly White Institutions, Isabelle decided to focus on the undocumented stories of Valdosta City Schools Equalization schools. The exhibit focuses on the stories of the establishment and integration of Dasher High School, 1929-1956, and Pinevale High School, 1956-1972. Once she began my research, it was extremely easy to realize the lack of existing research was from a lack of archival materials. The personal experience you as a historian bring to research or a project is what helps the community trust you. As a student, she created a working relationship with community member Dr. Willie Houseal, a graduate of Pinevale High School, to learn the history of the schools. With Dr. Houseal's help, the gap in accessible information was lessened and an archival collection was built. Traditional research, at many times, has made me as a student forget the importance of human involvement in history. As a student, Isabelle detached herself from her research. Through this exhibit, she was able to understand that preservation goes beyond collection but is a part of the connection and community you build. This opportunity would never have been possible without Dr. Sarah FitzGerald, Doug Carlson, Professor Deborah Davis, Dalla Suttles, and of course, Dr. Willie Houseal.

"My inspiration to continue history in the public sphere is based on the personal connections I have already created."

Starting in high school at Oakleigh and then to college, Isabelle has seen how her growth as an individual and academic are connected. Growing up in Mobile, there is a mixture of different architectures from Greco-Roman to Italianate style. At a young age, she took an interest in the built environment around her. In college, her interest would continue with her choosing to attend a school with Spanish Mission architecture to feed her growing love for historic homes. After earning her Master's, Isabelle would prefer to stay in the public sphere, whether working for a museum, archives, or teaching. All of her mentors from high school to college have created her love for history. In any role she takes after graduation, Isabelle hopes to create the same environment for other young historians