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ONEONTA, N.Y. -- Associate Professor
Cynthia
Falk of the SUNY Oneonta
Cooperstown Graduate Program in History Museum Studies is the author of
a new book entitled Architecture and Artifacts of the Pennsylvania
Germans: Constructing Identity in Early America, which was released
recently by Penn State Press.
In her book, Dr. Falk explores the relationship between ethnicity and the
buildings, personal belongings, and other cultural artifacts of early
Pennsylvania German immigrants and their descendants. Their material culture
has been the basis of stereotypes of Pennsylvania Germans almost since their
arrival. Dr. Falk demonstrates that more than anything, socioeconomic status
and religious affiliation influenced the character of the material culture
of Pennsylvania Germans. Her work also shows how early Pennsylvania Germans
defined their own identities.
Cynthia Falk joined the College at Oneonta in 2000. A specialist in
American material culture and U.S. history, she holds a doctorate from the
University of Delaware. She taught previously at the University of Delaware
and served as a museum guide and campaign coordinator for the University's
Winterthur Museum. In 2006, she received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for
Excellence in Teaching.
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