Samantha Smith

Name and Pronouns: Samantha Smith (she/they) 

Year in program:

ABD Y/N: Yes 

Committee: Drs. Dean Rehberger, Nakia Parker, Anna Pegler-Gordon, Aminda Smith, and Kristin Mahoney 

Major fields: United States History to 1877 (Gender & Slavery); United States History 1877 – Present (Immigration & Migration) 

Minor fields: Queer History; Visual and Material Cultures 

Link to your personal page or profile:  

Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn or reach out through email: smit3327@msu.edu.

Sam Smith (MLIS, MA in Public History) is a PhD candidate in U.S. history whose research focuses on nightlife and entertainment in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Reno during the 20th century.  

Before returning to her studies, she worked for over four years as an archivist at the Newberry Library in Chicago. During their time there they curated exhibits, served on the reference desk, supervised internships, and processed archival collections related to Chicago dance history. While in Chicago she performed her poetry at open mics, including at the legendary Green Mill.  

At MSU she has worked as a research assistant on various projects, and served as an instructor in a variety of capacities, including teaching a course titled “Introduction to Visual and Material Cultures” in Summer 2024.