Who I Am

Unveiling the Past, Shaping Inclusive Narratives

Dr. Kathryn M. Silva is a preeminent historian specializing in African American History. Through Silva Historical, she offers expert historical research and interpretation services, empowering museums, historical societies, and institutions to tell rich, inclusive stories.

Unparalleled Expertise:

  • Dr. Silva holds a Ph.D. in History with a deep focus on African American experiences.

  • Her publications have garnered acclaim, reflecting her meticulous research and insightful analysis.

Services:

  • Historical Research: Dr. Silva delves into archives, uncovering forgotten voices and illuminating the complexities of the past.

  • Exhibition Development: She collaborates on crafting compelling exhibitions that bring history to life for diverse audiences.

  • Curatorial Consulting: Dr. Silva provides guidance on curating collections that accurately represent the richness of African American history.

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Integration: She offers expertise in weaving narratives of inclusion into historical interpretation, fostering a deeper understanding of the past's impact on the present.

Benefits of Working with Silva Historical:

  • Accuracy and Insight: Dr. Silva's rigorous research methods ensure historical accuracy and provide fresh perspectives.

  • Engaging Narratives: She crafts narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, fostering deeper connections with the past.

  • Inclusive Representation: Dr. Silva incorporates diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring a richer understanding of history.

  • Enhanced Credibility: Working with a renowned scholar strengthens your institution's reputation for historical accuracy and inclusivity.

Let Silva Historical guide you in uncovering the past and shaping inclusive narratives that inspire and educate.

I am a proud Cape Verdean-American woman, tenured Associate Professor of History, and Chair of the Department of Humanities at the oldest Historically Black University in South Carolina. I was born and raised in southeastern Massachusetts, where Cape Verdean culture thrives today. My Mother is a former seamstress. She learned her trade from her Father and brothers, who were tailors both in Cabo Verde and the United States. My Mother’s stories of her seamstress business in Cabo Verde before migrating to the United States in the early 1970s, a few years before I was born, fostered my interest in clothing. My Father is a retired Army officer and art teacher. My parents’ influence and love for art and fashion led me to the history of textiles. My path was not a straight arrow.

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts with a dual degree in Africana Studies and History, I moved to South Carolina to pursue my Master’s and Doctorate degrees in history from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. In 2005, I began to study the history of African American women who labored in the Southern textile industry. I have since led courses, given over a hundred lectures, earned grants, and created major writing projects dedicated to this history. 


  • Scholar

    I love meeting new students and clients. At the heart of the matter, I am passionate about telling the truth of our collective history, especially in today’s world.