University Libraries Welcomes ACE-Mellon Fellow Melissa Benbow Flowers

Montclair State University Libraries is thrilled to announce the arrival of Dr. Melissa Benbow Flowers, an esteemed American Conservation Experience (ACE) Mellon Fellow. She will serve as a Research Associate through August 2026, contributing her expertise to the rich tapestry of humanities scholarship. The ACE partnership with the Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship Program nurtures scholars in their research endeavors, creation of interpretive products, and professional growth.

A scholar in late nineteenth-century literature and culture, Dr. Flowers immerses herself in the realms of African American art and literature, Black diasporic cultures, and museum studies. She earned her Ph.D. in English, complemented by a certificate in Museum Studies from the University of Delaware. Her dissertation, “Before Black Bohemia: Edmonia Lewis In the Post-bellum, Pre-Harlem Period,” highlights the significant contributions of Edmonia Lewis, an artist whose work offers deep insights into African American cultural history.

As part of her ACE-Mellon Fellowship, Dr. Flowers will steer her research towards The Lives of Domestic Workers at Glenmont, the historic home of Thomas and Mina Edison. Her project will delve into the experiences of six generations of predominantly female domestic workers in the Edison household, contextualizing their stories within broader social narratives. This undertaking promises to shed light on their integral roles and the often-overlooked aspects of labor history.

Dean O’Shea expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Dr. Flowers, indicating the wealth of knowledge that will emerge from this partnership. The importance of sharing historical narratives is particularly poignant during a time when government shutdowns limit access to many national parks and their stories. The aim of bringing Dr. Flowers to the University Libraries is to cultivate opportunities for students engaging in archival research and local history, enriching their educational journeys.

Dr. Flowers is eager to connect with faculty and students from diverse disciplines, collaborating on projects that span topics such as labor, women’s history, immigration, technology and history, race, space, and community change. Her interdisciplinary approach promises to enliven academic discussions and inspire new lines of inquiry among the Montclair community.

Additionally, Dr. Flowers will work alongside Darren Sweeper, the Government Documents and Research Services Librarian, and other library staff members to enhance the educational offerings of the library. This collaboration aims to utilize the University Libraries Archives and Special Collections and the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, positioning them as vital spaces for humanities and social science scholarship.

For those interested in connecting with Dr. Flowers, she can be reached via her Montclair email at flowersm@montclair.edu. Her work promises to be a valuable boon for the academic community, as well as an enriching resource for anyone keen on exploring the intersections of history, culture, and scholarship.