Shannan Mason

Dr. Shannan Mason is a historian of Early America whose research and teaching explore the intersections of nature, commerce, communication, cultural exchange and identity. Her work is grounded in archival and spatial analysis, with a particular focus on the commodification of nature in the 18th century. An Illinois native, Dr. Mason earned her master's degree in history from Southern Illinois University, and in 2024 completed her Ph.D. in History from the University of Missouri, where her dissertation was awarded Top Dissertation in the Humanities and Fine Arts. Mason also holds graduate level certifications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Museum Studies and two years of master's level coursework in education reflecting her commitment to an interdisciplinary approach to historical inquiry and teaching. Her research has been supported by fellowships from The Huntington Library, the American Philosophical Society, Winterthur Museum, and Florida Atlantic University, among others.

She is currently completing her first book, Reciprocities Market, which examines how a Philadelphia Quaker farmer transformed the exchange of plants into a transatlantic subscription service that challenged traditional systems of patronage. This project situates Bartram’s entrepreneurial approach within the broader shift from hierarchical reciprocity to market-based exchange in colonial America, revealing how the commodification of nature intersected with scientific inquiry, social mobility, and the emergence of an American identity. By tracing networks of correspondence, material culture, and economic botany, the book demonstrates how Bartram’s business model not only fueled the circulation of natural knowledge but also mirrored, and contributed to, the ideological and economic currents that laid the groundwork for independence.

At UIUC, Dr. Mason teaches courses on the American Revolution, the American Republic, US History to 1877, as well as historiography and writing-intensive seminars. Her pedagogy is rooted in inclusivity, accessibility, and exploration. Drawing on over a decade of college-level teaching and graduate-level training in special education, she fosters a classroom environment that values diverse student voices and encourages creative engagement with historical content. Her students have produced documentary shorts, podcasts, digital exhibits, and interactive projects that connect historical scholarship to public dialogue. A strong advocate for project-based learning and digital literacy, Mason incorporates a variety of digital tools and methods into her curriculum, helping students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability, reflection, and the continuous evolution of pedagogy to meet student needs. 

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Mason is an active contributor to public history and scholarly service. She serves as Social Media Editor for the Journal of the Early Republic and The Panorama, curating digital content that bridges academic research and public engagement. She has extensive experience in archival research, historic preservation, and public history initiatives, including work with national repositories, local heritage organizations, and digital history projects. Her efforts have supported landmark designations, curated historical collections, and developed accessible resources for scholars and the public alike.