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Students Dive Into EHS History and Archives

Standing in front of their peers and teachers in Bryan Library, a room steeped in Episcopal history, social studies students in Mike Reynolds’ research seminar presented their final projects.

For the last three months, students have painstakingly researched subjects of their choosing, from the history of rules and discipline at EHS to the Black women who sustained EHS and Quentin Roosevelt’s time on campus, with the help of the School's archivist Laura Vetter. “The students’ work wouldn’t be possible without the work that she does,” Reynolds said of our long-time archivist. Reynolds has served as a history teacher at EHS since 2008 and as the School’s Historian in Residence since 2021.

Ultimately, the project is designed to challenge history students to act as true historians by diving into primary materials on campus and “thinking about how to tell a story that goes back to 1839,” said Reynolds, noting Episcopal’s 186-year-old history. “Not every school has the opportunity or the obligation to tell its story over such a long period of time in a responsible way.”

The projects covered an array of topics:
Mazen A. ’25 & Eric S. ’25 – The Evolution of Rules and Discipline at EHS
Julia C. ’25 – Dances and the Culture of Courtship at EHS Before Co-Education
Bella D. ’25 – A Tribute to the Black Women Who Sustained Episcopal High School, 1839-1910
Mac H. ’25 – Faculty Kids and Families in the Life of EHS
Will J. ’25 & Isobel K. ’25 – Co-education and Female Leadership at EHS
Charlotte M. ’25 – EHS During the Vietnam War
Caleb P. ’26 – Quentin Roosevelt, Historical Memory and His Ties to EHS
Taylor P. ’26 – Reflections of the Lost Cause at EHS
Louise W. ’26 – “Whispers” as a Window into Student Culture
Adele Y. ’25 – EHS During World War II
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