Research group strives to preserve the South

Tucked in an obscure corner on the fourth floor of Hamilton Hall, the Center for the Study of the American South quietly strives to study and preserve the history and culture of the region.

The study of the South has made UNC one of the top-rated universities in the nation, said Harry Watson, director of the center.

"UNC built its greatness around studying its own region," he said. "Other universities had the funding to study the whole world, the oceans and the planet Neptune. We didn't, so we focused on our own backyard."

The center houses the world's best equipped and most respected institution for studying the South, officials said.

Since the center's birth in 1992, it has provided funding and research opportunities in the field of Southern studies for faculty and students alike.

"It provides a focal point," said Jocelyn Neal, music professor and Southern studies faculty member. "It gives me a visibility when working that I normally wouldn't have."

Watson said the center awarded more than $50,000 in summer research grants this year alone. These grants allocate funds to students and faculty for the study of issues affecting the South, from country music to Southern cuisine.

Stories of more than 3,000 Southerners, ranging from mill workers to former President Bill Clinton, have been recorded as part of the center's Southern Oral History Program.

The center also publishes a quarterly magazine called Southern Cultures, which is devoted to regional life and culture.

Following the recent debate surrounding the Cornelia Phillips Spencer Bell Award, named for a former University leader and white supremacist, the center was thrust into the spotlight.

Chancellor James Moeser called for the center to host a discussion after concerns were raised about the award.

A conference called "Remembering Reconstruction at Carolina" will take place Oct. 1 and 2 in Gerrard Hall and will seek to raise awareness about Southern issues.

William Ferris, senior associate director of the center, said its programs seek to educate future generations about Southern culture.

"We offer an initiative to train future political leaders in the history and culture of the South," he said.

In addition, the center is working toward offering an undergraduate degree in Southern studies.

"It's extremely important for (UNC) to continue to do what we're the very best at doing," Watson said.

"The study of the South has something immensely rewarding to students - a chance to learn about the history and culture that affect them on a day-to-day basis."

Efforts are being made to raise $500,000 for the renovation of Spencer's former home, now known as the Love House, located on Franklin Street. The building will provide a central concentration of the programs in the curriculum.

"We hope to have it ready for next year," Ferris said.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.