An accomplished alumna returned to St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s to share the fruits of her scholarship with students, faculty, parents, and alumni. Anne C. Bailey ‘82, a professor of history and African American studies at SUNY Binghamton, offered excerpts from The Weeping Time, which chronicles one of the largest slave auctions in American history.
Dr. Bailey said that the diversity of the St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s community and the nurturing support of her teachers—who included renowned author Madeleine L’Engle—sparked her interest in history and story-telling.
She also recalled the influence of Mother Ruth, the school’s founder. “The Reverend Mother made everyone feel they had a voice,” she said. “Her background as a biracial woman helped to shape my perspective.”
Head of School Virginia Connor praised Dr. Bailey's scholarship. “A storyteller and historian, Dr. Bailey’s work helps to bring to light the stories of those who have been overlooked by history.”
After graduating from St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s high school, Dr. Bailey went on to study English and French at Harvard University; she later earned her Ph.D. in African and African American History and African Diaspora Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
“Prof. Bailey's presentation provided a vivid example to parents, faculty, students and alumni of how a St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s education can serve as the foundation for excellence,” said Conrad Johnson, P ‘03, ‘05, Secretary of St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s Board of Trustees. “Her research is rigorous. Her writing elegantly expresses thoughtful, important perspectives. She is an inspiration.”