The Women’s History Program would like to congratulate the winner of the 2010 Gerda Lerner Prize in Women’s History, Rosamund Hunter. We asked Rosamund to share her reflections on women’s history, her thesis, and why she chose Sarah Lawrence College.

Why were you interested in women's history?

I’ve always had an interest in gender studies and social justice. As a community activist committed to promoting dialogue and engagement among self-identified women, I found myself craving more information on history and feminist theory as a way to make sense of the social and political issues affecting our world today.  After my first year of study in the Women’s History Program, I have learned that in order to engage in an honest dialogue, it is crucial to cast a wider understanding over a moment and to re-examine inherent assumptions and biases we may have of the past.

Why did you choose the Women’s History Program at Sarah Lawrence?

I was impressed with the program’s emphasis on writing, intellectualism, community, and activism. I greatly value the College’s model of education, which allows students the opportunity to conduct creative and independent research with a tremendous amount of one-on-one time with faculty.

I’m having a wonderful experience in the program. I have an amazing and supportive cohort, and it is exciting to grow as scholars with them. I also greatly value the three professors I had my first year: Linwood Lewis, Priscilla Murolo, and Lyde Sizer. Their support and commitment to their students has been a huge inspiration to me.

What do you hope to write your thesis about?

While I am still deciding on a specific topic, I am interested in exploring social and cultural histories of race and sexuality. My research during my first year focused on 19th-century social movements, specifically the work of Ernestine Rose, a freethinker, abolitionist, and women’s rights advocate. Her unapologetic and bold disregard for conventional sensibilities make her such an exciting and dynamic historical figure. I hope to write my thesis about individuals and groups who embodied that same spirit of resistance and revolution.

What do you hope to do with your degree?

I would like to continue my education after receiving my degree. Then I hope to work in a position that allows me to promote a human rights agenda, whether it be in teaching, activism, research, or journalism.

Why the women’s history blog?

This past March, several of my peers and I founded RE/VISIONIST, an online publication aimed at promoting a critical analysis of history and contemporary issues through the lens of multiple feminisms. As students, we mostly study history and theory and do not always have the chance to discuss current events and contemporary issues. RE/VISIONIST gives us the opportunity to have an open and public dialogue concerning more current topics. We aim to foster a debate that embraces a diversity of opinions, and we believe that we cannot address gender without also discussing other forms of oppressions. RE/VISIONIST gives Women’s history students the opportunity to present their work to others, and I hope that the publication continues for years to come.