DENTON — Kennedy Thomason grew up as an avid reader of historical fiction.
Now, after working towards a degree in history, Thomason is sharing her historical interests with countless others, thanks to her family’s river cruise business.
The 2019 graduate of Ridgely’s North Caroline High School carried her love of history to Chesapeake College, where she graduated with an associate’s degree in liberal arts, followed by a transfer to Washington College in Chestertown to major in American studies.
“It’s the liberal arts version of a history major,” she explained, pointing to the Washington College website description as “the exploration of U.S. culture and American national identity from cross-disciplinary perspectives in order to help students develop a rich understanding of the American experience.”
“I chose this major because I’m particularly interested in how our history influences the society in which we live,” she said. “Understanding the human experiences that have led us to this point is vital to figuring out where we go from here. The study of history is the key to solving the labyrinth of social, economic and political problems we face today.”
At the Starr Center for the American Experience, Thomason works as a digital archiving intern under the supervision of Melissa P. Kemp, the center’s digital archivist and historian.
She scans, archives and uploads content into the Chesapeake Heartland archive, which features local African American families and their personal collections of family photos, home videos, yearbooks and other mementos they’ve collected over the years.
“I’ve learned a lot about digital history and its importance, as well as how tedious it can be,” Thomason said.
For Thomason, the rewards of her Starr Center experience are many. “It’s the confidence boost and sense of community that comes from association with professors and students who are just as passionate as I am. At school I feel a sense of belonging and I’m exposed to opportunities that I never knew were available,” she said.
She considers the most challenging aspect of student life as striking a balance between college, work and life. “I am a unique undergraduate, especially for a Washington College student, because I have a two year old daughter. Most of the students around me at school still live at home or in dorms and are accustomed to only being responsible for themselves and their studies. Commuting from about an hour away, having a little person depending on me, a household to keep up with, and finding time to work has added many struggles that most of my peers do not have to navigate. But I wouldn’t change it for the world!”
As the oldest of the Thomason family’s five children, Kennedy counts her parents as inspiration.
“I remember watching my mother wrangle five children. I learned a lot from my mom and I admire her and look up to her. She and my dad supported all five of us doing five different things. We have always been a very tight-knit family unit with parents who have provided immense support. I could not do what I do without them. They keep my daughter (whose name is Sailor) when I need them to. Our family has always functioned as a unit working towards whatever goal we have, that day, that week, whenever.”
When her family purchased Denton’s Ellen B from Captain Bill Behlke, it was a given that the River City Cruise Company would be a family affair. Thomason immediately planned to add history as part of the river tours.
“I love the Choptank River,” she said.
Aware of the deep historical roots she was certain that many Eastern Shore residents knew of the area’s history and wanted to learn more.
“I’m a huge proponent of accessibility to history, which means I’m always trying to think of ways to bring history to the public rather than waiting for the public to seek it out,” she said. “The river tours are just one aspect of my advocacy.”
The first year of the River City Cruise Company was a great success. “I had the time of my life on each trip,” Thomason recalled.
Her favorite guests were the people who came along for the ride but found themselves fascinated by the stories of the Choptank’s history and heritage.
“I also loved seeing people from our community learn more about the land. Although I love and appreciate the out-of-towners that come and enjoy everything the Choptank has to offer, seeing locals being able to connect their lives with the past is truly special. One thing that I tell each cruise is there’s no reason that people, states or oceans away should know more about our land than us.”
This year, she’s revamping the script and expanding the talking points to make each cruise truly unique. “I never want someone to feel that they came once and can’t come again. I always want people to take away something new, even if they’ve taken the tour ten times.”
Recently, Thomason was awarded funds to complete her own Choptank River History project from the Gerda Blumenthal Grant through Washington College’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
Over the summer she’ll publish a series of blog posts in conjunction with the Caroline County Historical Society’s website that will focus on ways the Choptank has shaped the greater Caroline County community.
“My motto for the project has been that people tend to think of rivers as borders, but, historically, the Choptank has been the center,” Thomason said. “What exactly this project will look like I am still trying to work out, but I am excited about it. I plan on having at least one public event and my research will lead to a more robust history tour.”
This fall Thomason will graduate from Washington College. She’s still trying to figure out what she wants to do post-graduation. Whatever she chooses, the study of history will benefit.
Visit River City Cruise Company on Facebook, email them at riverruncruise@gmail.comor call 410-673-8201.
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