Unearthing Untold Narratives: My Journey into Military History
- Melissa
- May 14, 2024
- 4 min read
(Not to sound like a broken record)
My passion lies in uncovering the lesser-known stories within military history. This journey has been shaped by a lifetime of military experiences—from my service as a U.S. Air Force veteran and military spouse (26 years of military life) to my current role as Curator at a small non-profit military museum in Texas. These roles, combined with my academic pursuits, have fueled my deep exploration of history, particularly U.S., Russian, and Asian military history, along with the often-overlooked contributions of women in the military sphere.
But where did this research begin?
A New Chapter
After my husband retired from the Air Force after 26 years, we relocated to Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic. At this point, moving has become a ritual every few years- I've lost track of how many times I've moved. It would take me more time than I have to sit here and try to figure it out.
After another relocation, I found myself reflecting on a lifetime shaped by military service—not just my own but also that of my friends, my family, and generations before me. This period of introspection (and not finding a job) led me to pursue a master’s degree in military history and, eventually, a complete career shift. Isn't it weird how things work out?
At the time, I had no idea where this path would take me—perhaps nowhere at all? But I had nothing to lose, and I am so used to starting over and having new adventures—this is the norm for me. (And, for so many of my friends)
I returned to school with a deep curiosity: What was being taught about military history? What narratives were being explored—or ignored? My pursuit broadened my understanding and shaped my contributions to the field, culminating in my thesis on U.S. military wives of the American Revolutionary War. However, I will admit it also brought frustration and annoyance, but I will discuss that another day.
Bringing Forgotten Voices to Light
My master’s thesis, From Footnotes to Spotlight: The Agency and Influence of Revolutionary War Military Wives, is a tribute to the often-overlooked women who played critical roles in shaping military history. I sought to uncover and address historical gaps in traditional scholarship, working toward a more inclusive portrayal of the American military’s foundation.
Rather than writing a memoir, biography, spouse guidebook, or sentimentalized account of military life, I explored the tangible impact of military wives in the 18th century. My comprehensive approach drew insights from gender, race, and language studies to amplify these women's voices—along with a few male spouses I uncovered! My research represents more than just an academic endeavor; it reflects my commitment to bridging historical gaps and ensuring individuals receive the recognition they deserve.
Diving Deeper into the Rabbit Hole
As I dug further, I encountered broader issues within traditional military history scholarship—such as a lack of academic focus on women, minorities, and military wives/spouses, insufficient recognition of their agency and influence, and deeply ingrained gender biases in historical sources. I am preaching here, but you get what I mean.
My 140-page paper aimed to fill these gaps by examining the experiences and contributions of military wives during a pivotal era in American military history. Unlike modern sociological studies on education, employment, childcare, morale, or relocation challenges faced by military spouses—both past and present—this research focused on the critical roles military wives played in operational, logistical, tactical, and strategic planning during the American Revolutionary War.
It is a culmination of my academic journey and a testament to my dedication to preserving the legacies of those who shaped our military traditions and heritage. I carefully analyzed historical sources, defined key military terms, and studied influential figures of the era. I was (and still am) eager to unravel the complexities of 18th-century military history and shine a light on the enduring impact of military wives.
Yet, once I jumped down that rabbit hole, I uncovered far more than I ever expected. I knew I was going to have to expand. So now, I am furthering my focus on military wives' historical experiences, roles, and contributions throughout American military history.
Redefining Military History
The 18th century saw the emergence of key institutions and practices that laid the foundation for the American military. However, within the pages of military history, the voices and experiences of military wives have remained marginalized (or footnoted), and their contributions have largely gone unrecognized. My research highlighted individuals who demonstrated grit, leadership, strategic and operational warfare intelligence, and patriotism in shaping American military history...but that is not the story that was told.
Navigating historical sources posed its own challenges, as women were often overshadowed by their husbands’ names and family names or left out entirely. To address this, I incorporated insights from gender studies, language analysis, and semiotics to deconstruct gendered narratives and reclaim the agency of these military wives. My approach allowed me to offer a more accurate interpretation of their experiences—one that recognizes their authentic influence within the records of military history.
Of course, this is a complex and evolving process, and I continue to refine my methodology. But one thing is sure: my passion for military history is driven by a commitment to amplifying forgotten voices. This is why these blog posts take so long to write– I have a job and a family, so I am constantly fighting the clock!
Final thought
Military spouse history deserves its chapter within traditional military history, not as a footnote but as a critical component of the historical narrative. I hope my blog represents my academic journey, professional museum work, and the foundation for my ongoing work in military history. I plan to build upon my research by refining military terminology, reexamining historical works, analyzing key leaders and historians across eras, and uncovering lesser-known figures who shaped military history. By peeling the intricate layers of warfare through the lens of those often overlooked, I hope to inspire others to dig deeper, ask new questions, and seek a more comprehensive understanding of the past.
~ Mel
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