Albion College History Professor Awards Winning Hubbell Prize for Civil War Research

In December 2024, Albion College’s Julian S. Rammelkamp Professor of History, Marcy Sacks, earned national recognition when the Kent State University Press presented her with the 2025 John T. Hubbell Prize. The award honors the best article published in the field of Civil War History within the previous year, and Sacks’ paper, "I Shall Forward to You My Contraband: Tracing Coerced Wartime Black Movement North through an Incomplete Archive," secured the honor.

Understanding the Hubbell Prize

The John T. Hubbell Prize has become a benchmark for scholarly excellence in Civil War studies. Awarded annually, it recognizes work that offers new insight, utilizes innovative methodology, or uncovers overlooked primary sources. Past recipients have included scholars who shifted the academic conversation about slavery, military strategy, and the cultural memory of the war. By naming Sacks as the 2025 winner, the prize committee highlighted the importance of archival work that illuminates the often-suppressed movements of enslaved people during the conflict.

Marcy Sacks’s Award-Winning Research

Sacks’s article is a masterclass in archival detective work. Using a patchwork of court documents, military correspondence, and personal letters, she mapped the trajectory of formerly enslaved individuals forcibly transported from the Southern states to the North. The research reveals that U.S. soldiers, while publicly condemning slavery, sometimes appropriated enslaved people as laborers for themselves or for northern allies. This paradox illustrates the complex moral landscape that soldiers navigated during the war.

The Methodology Behind the Findings

Central to Sacks’s approach is the use of incomplete archives. Recognizing that records were often gerrymandered, lost, or never recorded, she cross‑referenced disparate documents to reconstruct individual narratives. Her work demonstrates how even fragmentary evidence can paint a comprehensive picture when combined meticulously. This method offers a model for historians facing similar gaps in the record.

Implications for the Study of Racial Dynamics

The article challenges simplified narratives of the Civil War by highlighting that emancipation did not automatically equate to freedom. It exposes how some northern commanders treated Black individuals as property, even as they claimed to champion liberty. The findings underline the necessity of scrutinizing the attitudes of white soldiers and the socio‑political mechanisms that allowed such contradictions to persist.

Impact on Albion College’s Academic Community

Albion College is known for fostering rigorous research among undergraduate and graduate students. Sacks’s recognition reinforces the institution’s commitment to interdisciplinary study, critical inquiry, and civic engagement. Faculty and students alike benefit from the exposure to high‑profile scholarship emerging from the campus.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Historians

By sharing Sacks’s process, Albion’s history department provides a template for students planning their research projects. She encourages learners to:

• Seek out non‑traditional archives, such as local newspapers, church records, and oral histories.
• Critically assess the biases embedded in primary sources.
• Present their findings in accessible formats, such as seminars, blog posts, or community exhibits.

These steps enable students to produce scholarship that resonates beyond academia.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Historians

• Identify Gaps: Start by reviewing existing literature to spot areas lacking detailed documentation.
• Use Digital Tools: Leverage online databases and digitized collections to access remote archives.
• Collaborate: Work with archivists, librarians, and community historians to uncover hidden materials.
• Publish Early: Submit articles to specialized journals or conference proceedings to gain feedback before final publication.
• Stay Ethical: Acknowledge the limitations of your sources and the ethical implications of representing marginalized voices.

Why the Hubbell Prize Matters to Students

Winning the Hubbell Prize does more than honor a scholar; it signals to students that rigorous, original research is valued and attainable. The award highlights the importance of:

• In-depth archival research.
• Critical analysis of historical narratives.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in scholarship.

By reading Sacks’s article, students gain insight into the challenges and rewards of scholarly publishing.

Exploring Albion College’s History Program

Albion College offers a comprehensive history major and minor, complemented by experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad, research projects, and community service. The program equips students with analytical skills, a global perspective, and ethical grounding.

How Albion Supports Research Initiatives

• Research funding is available for student projects.
• Faculty mentorship ensures personalized guidance.
• The university library hosts an extensive collection of primary sources relevant to American history.

Prospective students interested in pursuing research in Civil War history or broader American studies may consider Albion’s resources and faculty expertise as a strong foundation for academic growth.

Next Steps for Students and Scholars

Whether you are a student eager to dive into historical research or an academic seeking to broaden your knowledge, the following steps can help you build a solid trajectory.

• Apply to Albion College’s History Program and explore its faculty profile and research focuses.
• Contact the department’s Admissions Office for individualized guidance on course selection and research opportunities.
• Follow Albion’s news releases to stay updated on award recipients and scholarly achievements.
• Engage with the academic community by attending lectures, seminars, or online webinars hosted by the university.

Conclusion

Marcy Sacks’s Hubbell Prize win underscores the enduring relevance of rigorous scholarship in Civil War history. Her article not only enriches our collective understanding of the era but also serves as a beacon for emerging historians seeking to illuminate overlooked narratives. Albion College’s commitment to research excellence continues to foster an environment where such pioneering work can flourish.

For students and scholars eager to explore deeper into American history, Albion College provides both the intellectual and logistical support necessary for meaningful research and impactful scholarship.

Have questions or would like to discuss your academic goals? Reach out to Albion College today and discover how the institution can guide your journey into historical research.