Tuscaloosa, Ala. –The University of Alabama announced that Dr.Cassander Smith, associate dean in the Honors College, has been elected to membership in the American Antiquarian Society (AAS), a 213-year-old national research library and community of learners dedicated to discovering and sharing a deeper understanding of the American past.
“Cassie’s election to the American Antiquarian Society is a remarkable and well-deserved honor that reflects the depth, originality and impact of her scholarship,” said Dr. Tiffany Sippial, dean of the Honors College. “Her work not only enriches our understanding of American history and culture but also elevates the scholarly profile of The University of Alabama. We are tremendously proud to see her contributions recognized by one of the nation’s oldest and most distinguished learned societies.”
Smith joins a distinguished roster of more than 1,200 members from forty-eight states, the District of Columbia and five other countries. Elected for their achievement in academic or public life, AAS members range from scholars, collectors and librarians to artists, writers and history enthusiasts. Since the Society’s founding in 1812, fourteen United States presidents, more than seventy-five Pulitzer Prize winners, scores of Bancroft Prize winners, many Guggenheim fellows and several MacArthur Award winners have been elected to membership.
“I am honored to have been elected, especially because I join a long tradition of scholars committed to telling the stories about early American history and culture,” said Smith.
Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the American Antiquarian Society holds the world’s largest and most accessible collection of original printed, handwritten and visual sources from before 1900 in what is now the United States. The library of over four million items includes books, pamphlets, broadsides, newspapers, periodicals, children’s literature, music and graphic arts material. AAS connects people across the globe with these collections through its digital catalog and resources, online exhibitions and virtual learning experiences. In addition, it supports dozens of researchers, artists and writers each year with a variety of fellowship programs.
The American Antiquarian Society is located at 185 Salisbury Street in Worcester, MA. The library is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The library is free and open to anyone with projects or interests related to the collections. All are welcome to join its free public programs held throughout the year. To learn more, visit americanantiquarian.org.
About The University of Alabama Honors College
The University of Alabama Honors College is dedicated to fostering a dedicated community of scholars, committed to nurturing high-performing and high-potential students who, through critical thinking, ethical citizenship, and collaborative leadership, become engaged leaders within their chosen fields and beyond.