Reflection
This project was very interesting to us because it is unlike our usual coursework as Biochemistry majors. We both were energized to explore this topic because the Honors program was a factor in both of our decisions to attend Rowan University. As Honors students, we continually work to embrace and embody the Honors ethos of “Think, Thrive, Share” as we refine and expand our thinking and share our talents through service. By engaging in this project, we cannot help but contribute toward the Whitney Center’s dynamic sense of place.
One surprising aspect of the project came through examining it from multiple perspectives. As we have learned in this class, there is never a single story. We struggled with incorporating the darker side of the Whitney Glassworks which involved the use of child labor and indentured service in this project, but the inclusion of this information makes the project richer and more meaningful.
This project also raised questions about inclusiveness and diversity within the Honors program itself. There are challenges in highlighting a program that, by its definition, is one where not every student can participate. While those questions are beyond the scope of this project, it is important to acknowledge and think about these issues.
The most enjoyable aspect of this project was the fieldwork and research. In our roles as Cultural Geographers, it was satisfying to learn more about Glassboro’s past and connect it to the present and future in a novel way. In order to gather background information, we read many articles about Glassboro history and selections from The Glassboro Story by Robert Bole and Edward Walton. We visited Glassboro’s Heritage Glass Museum and participated in a walking tour of the town to gain insight into its rich glassmaking history. We also visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture on a trip sponsored by Honors. We viewed an exhibit that emphasized the importance of place and why place matters. We used the knowledge gained there in this project as well.
In the course of our research, we also conducted interviews. We met with members of Glassboro Historical Society to learn about the neighborhood where the Whitney Center now sits. We also discussed the Whitney family. We met with Dr. Lee Talley, the Dean of Honors, who so graciously took time out of her busy schedule to discuss the motivations for Mr. Bantivoglio’s transformative gift. During our talk, Dr. Talley also provided invaluable assistance in helping us make the project more robust and meaningful. We also met with Dr. James Newell, Rowan University’s Senior Vice President for Medical Initiatives and Affiliated Campuses, who so generously shared a wealth of information about Rowan University's past and present projects, including the construction of the Whitney Center. Mr. Michael Bensen, Coordinator of Rowan University's Digital Scholarship Center, provided assistance on the history of the Whitney Glassworks and their business practices. Throughout the project, Dr. Jennifer Kitson provided us with invaluable feedback, for which we are grateful.
Ultimately, this project helped us understand and value the interconnectivity of Glassboro’s people and place. We have learned to think from the geographical perspective while exploring this project from a variety of viewpoints. The interconnection of people and place is something that may not be at the forefront of people’s minds, but hopefully, this mural will help the viewer consider this concept and appreciate how each element influences the other.
Overall, our message is simple – this place matters - in the past, present, and future.