Harper Davidson Explores How We Remember the American Revolution
Hartsville, SC (03/25/2026) — As South Carolina prepares to play a central role in the nation's 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, a new collaboration between Coker University and Coastal Carolina University is exploring what that history means today.
Supported by the South Carolina Arts Commission, the project brings together Coastal Carolina's Communal Pen initiative and student research led by Coker Humanities major Harper Davidson.
Working with Dr. Gina Bennett, assistant professor of global studies and humanities coordinator at Coker, Davidson began the research in June 2025. Her work examines how perceptions of the American Revolution have evolved from 1776 to the present and how those perspectives continue to shape public understanding.
Through the partnership, students from both institutions gathered for an interactive experience focused on writing, reflection, and dialogue around the Revolution's relevance today. The project also received creative support from Athenaeum Press at Coastal Carolina University.
Davidson's research combines primary sources with a campus-wide survey, revealing a gap in awareness among younger audiences, including limited recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary.
"A lot of people did not realize the anniversary was coming up," Davidson said. "That stood out to me, especially given how much the American Revolution continues to influence the world we live in today."
Davidson will present her full findings at Coker University's Student Research Symposium on April 8.
To learn more, visit https://blogs.coker.edu/news-stories/harper-davidson-explores-how-we-remember-the-american-revolution
Coker University
Katherine Davis, kdavis@coker.eduShare this Story
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