Langhorst, Diane Oral History

Scope and content:

In this interview, Diane Langhorst discusses her experience of belonging and community as a student at the College of William and Mary in the class of 1968, detailing her life in chapters. She discusses the impact of being the middle child and the oldest daughter growing up in the church and transitioning to becoming a student. Further, she recalls the cultural changes of living in Williamsburg, as her parents didn't visit and there were no black students on campus, stating that the campus was isolated and segregated. She recounts how her religion fostered community, enabling a closer connection between her and her friends. She discusses how William and Mary felt insulated, how she felt little connection to the community outside of campus, and comments on the lack of news and political discussion. Diane cites the liberal arts education at the college as the inspiration for her study of sociology and subsequent career in social work. This interview was conducted by undergraduate students Caroline Cromwell and Leah Schrum and was indexed by Sarah Kinlaw. The interview took place in the Samuel E. Jones building on the William and Mary campus on the afternoon of 3/6/2025. This interview was conducted for research purposes by the Williamsburg Documentary Project, taught by Molly Robinson and Tijuana Reeve.

This description is taken from the headnote for the oral history.

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Parent restrictions:
Portions of this collection may be restricted for privacy reasons. Consult a staff member for assistance. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Parent terms of access:
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

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