Erin K. Magee is a graduate student at Millersville and plans to graduate in May of 2020 with a masters degree in American history. She works as the graduate assistant for the history department and serves as the president of the Millersville chapter of Phi Alpha Theta. She began this project as a simple study of her family history, seeking to gain more information on her maternal grandfather, Samuel Swavely. Following the discovery of letters containing information on his experiences as a soldier in Germany during World War II, she pieced together his narrative. In doing so, she discovered a wealth of information including his experiences serving in the 104th Infantry Division, his travels across Germany, and the Infantry’s discovery of the Dora-Mittelbau concentration camp. 

     Through her participation in the Made in Millersville Journal she hopes to gain experience in publishing her work. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in public history and archival/museum work. She also hopes to eventually obtain a doctorate in American history and teach at the collegiate level. Her participation in Made in Millersville has allowed her to gain experience in presenting and publishing her work in a professional capacity. MiM has also presented the opportunity for her to gain feedback from her professors and peers.