Carin Bloom is the Manager of Education at Middleton Place Foundation in Charleston, SC. Carin holds an Honors BA, two MAs, and a PhD ABD in Anthropology, all with specializations in Historical Archaeology (specifically Fields of Conflict of the American Revolution). She is an archaeologist and living historian by training, specializing in the public history of the 18th century in America. Her passion over the past two decades has been sharing the hidden histories of the Colonial era with interested audiences through conventional and unconventional programs. Bringing diverse narratives to light that have been long ignored is a particular focus of hers, whether through field trips for K-12 students, educational events with learners of all ages, or first- or third-person living history presentations.
Carin believes that immersive experiences help history come alive for those interested in looking into the past – and presenting in character is a highly effective catalyst. Carin focuses on lesser-known historical figures; those whose stories have not been told in the past have still made important contributions. To that end, Carin presents as Loyalist refugee from 96 District, SC, Margaret Chesney, and as Catharine Littlefield Greene, wife of General Nathanael Greene of the Continental Army. Both stories insert much-needed women’s history into the story of the American War for Independence, as well as bring to light some of the harsh realities of the conflict that are often left out in favor of the triumph and tragedy of great battles won and lost. Carin is delighted to bring humor, sorrow, and inquisitiveness to her presentation, considering deeply what Mrs. Chesney or Lady Greene might share with an audience, were they alive today.
Carin is also skilled and trained in academic research and interpretive narrative writing, with experience helping sites create strategic plans for their oversight organizations. She is happy to be contacted for consultation on strategic planning, interpretive master planning, site narrative focus/direction, and scholarly lectures. Carin has been published in Women Waging War in the American Revolution – a volume compiled and edited by Holly Mayer and published by the University of Virginia Press in 2022. Carin’s work on self-emancipated Lucy Banbury was an important contribution to the volume, and has been a popular lecture for historic sites, the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, and friends’ groups supporting county and state parks across the Southeast.