Seth Rockman

In this conversation, historian Seth Rockman shares his expertise on labor history and the ties between slavery and capitalism. He discusses the challenges of writing and the importance of mentorship in shaping a historian's journey. Rockman dives into his new book, revealing the connections between New England artifacts and their influence on Southern plantation communities, highlighting the roles of women in this complex economy. He also reflects on the iterative nature of the writing process and the influence of various literary styles on his craft.

Seth Rockman, an Associate Professor of History at Brown University, explores the hidden histories of plantation goods that fueled the American economy, revealing how items like shoes crafted by Northern women were tied to slavery. Lea David, an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin, delves into the emotional gravitas of everyday objects from sites of tragedy, discussing their role in memorialization and human rights education. Together, they unveil the complex and often painful narratives embedded in these objects, challenging listeners to reconsider their significance.

Seth Rockman, a history professor at Brown University and author of 'Plantation Goods: A Material History of Slavery', dives into the often-overlooked everyday items that sustained slavery, like shoes and axes. He reveals how Northern factories were intricately linked to Southern plantations, creating a national economy. Rockman discusses the archival challenges he faced, the role of market research in shaping goods for enslaved laborers, and how these materials helped forge racial knowledge. His insights connect the dots between capitalism and the legacy of slavery.