Chester Pelsang
Chester is a MA student in the History and Art History department. He is originally from the state of Iowa, and attended Truman State University in Kirksville, MO where he graduated with a dual degree in history and religious studies. Chester's primary research interests include transatlantic British-Caribbean and colonial revolutionary America. Chester's current research explores tavern cultures of the larger Atlantic world during the age of British imperial power. In order to continue his passion for history, Chester is currently pursuing a career in museum curation and administration.
The department's Randy Beth Clarke Fellowship goes to Chester Pelsang. Chester’s interests range widely, and he has crafted a plan of study that includes individualized sections as well as work in the digital humanities. In addition to his coursework in college and at Mason, Chester has sought out public history positions at the Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport, Iowa; the Missouri Secretary of State’s archival office; and the Architect of the Capitol. Professor Lair writes that “Chester’s primary strength is his incredible work ethic, which I have come to realize is probably as (if not more) important in academia than innate writing talent or historical instinct.”