Kathleen Williams

• Early American history
• colonial America
• the American Revolution
• religious history
• the 1918 influenza pandemic
• medical and public-health history
• women in medieval Scotland
• Scottish clans
• genealogy
• and cultural history
• oral history
• museum and public history
• historical research and writing.

My teaching experience has primarily been in public-history interpretation, community education, health education, and professional settings. Since 2018, I have presented Scottish history, clan history, genealogy, and cultural heritage to visitors at Scottish Games and Celtic festivals throughout New York State. Venues have included events organized by the Scottish Games Association of Central New York and the Olean Area Celtic Festival. I currently serve as Vice President of the Scottish Games Association of Central New York, Director of Clans and Highland Games for the Olean Area Celtic Festival, New York State Representative for the Clan Lindsay Society, and New York State Representative and Council Member at Large for the Clan Graham Society. During my academic studies, I completed coursework in public speaking and gained experience preparing and delivering recorded video presentations and discussions. These included a video paper and discussion on early Fort Ticonderoga and a presentation on the early Puritan colleges. This work strengthened my skills in organizing historical research, presenting evidence clearly, and communicating effectively in an online format. Through more than 31 years as a licensed practical nurse, I have also educated patients and families about diagnoses, medications, vaccines, treatments, diabetes management, and preventive health. This work requires translating complex information into clear, accessible language and adapting explanations to different ages, backgrounds, and learning needs. Although I have not yet taught a formal college course, I hold an M.A. in History and have substantial experience in historical research, writing, public speaking, video presentations, and community education. I am prepared to bring these skills into engaging guest lectures and online higher education.

My interests include early American history, religious history, medical and public-health history, the 1918 influenza pandemic, women in medieval Scotland, Scottish clan history, genealogy, oral history, and the ways historical events affected ordinary people. My lecturing style is welcoming, conversational, and story-centered while remaining grounded in historical evidence. I connect major events with personal experiences, primary sources, and the lives of individuals who are sometimes overlooked in traditional historical narratives. I use clear explanations, visual materials, thoughtful questions, and interdisciplinary connections to encourage participation and make complex subjects accessible. My goal is for students to understand not only what happened, but why it mattered and how it continues to shape the present.