For Richie Dockery ’26, a connection with an F&M professor inspired him to pursue a summer experience preserving American history less than five miles from campus.

Dockery is spending his summer as a research assistant and archivist at Lancaster’s Historic Rock Ford, the grounds of which include the mansion of Gen. Edward Hand, adjutant general of the Continental Army under George Washington. 

As a government major, Dockery has previously interned with a state senate campaign and the Pennsylvania Office of Administration, but he was inspired by F&M’s “ampersand” approach to spend a summer focused on his interest in history. 

“As a Diplomat, I’ve learned never to restrict the breadth of my experience,” Dockery said. 

Below, read more about his work in the archives. 

Dockery is spending his summer as a research assistant and archivist at Lancaster's Historic Rock Ford, the grounds of which include the mansion of Gen. Edward Hand, adjutant general of the Contintental Army under George Washington. Photo credit: Deb Grove

Dockery's work in the archives includes searching for documents concerning the fate of Edward Hand's enslaved servants at Rock Ford, as well as letters penned by Gen. Hand's wife, Katherine. Photo credit: Deb Grove

Dockery is categorizing, organizing, and overhauling the mansion-turned-museum's entirely pre-digital archives. Photo credit: Deb Grove

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Describe your summer experience. What does a typical day look like?

As the estate’s newest research assistant and archivist, I’m entrusted with sifting through its Revolutionary War documents, categorizing and organizing them, and overhauling the mansion-turned-museum’s entirely pre-digital archives. 

I’m also trudging through Rock Ford’s records, on the hunt for any documents concerning the fate of Edward Hand’s enslaved servants at Rock Ford, all of whom vanished from the historical record. On a lighter note, I’m also scouring for any letters penned by Gen. Hand’s wife, Katherine, who seemingly ignored her husband’s letters on a regular basis—neglecting to mention the birth of their child, to the bemusement of the general. 

What inspired you to pursue this internship?

I had the privilege of studying under the remarkable Christina McSherry, adjunct assistant professor of anthropology. In her, I saw the ampersand ideal truly upheld–simultaneously the director of history at Rock Ford, professor at her alma mater, and local schoolteacher. Through her example, I was inspired to join the frontlines in preserving American history at Historic Rock Ford. 

What skills have you been able to learn or practice through this experience?

I’ve greatly expanded my research skills and sense of professional responsibility. Although I’ve flexed my research muscle in the classroom, archival work is a new labyrinth of challenges. My conduct and diligence on the job is not only valuable for the quality of the research, it’s also a marketable skill cherished anywhere, giving me an advantage in the world of post-graduation job-hunting.

What have you found most interesting or surprising about this experience?

I found nonprofit fundraising by far the most unexpected part of my job. As a nonprofit, Historic Rock Ford relies extensively on community engagement and the underlying networks that make that work possible. Rock Ford and other repositories of local history are also social and cultural institutions, fostering community activities such as the much-anticipated reenactment of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Lancaster. Although my studies at F&M always emphasized the role of social networks in determining the structures and outcomes of institutions, working at Rock Ford gave me the chance to see the predictions of my textbooks play out in real life.