Bringing History to Life: How One Professor Engaged Students and Community Partners to Solve the Night Marauder Murders

Dr. Nancy Locklin was already an author, professor, and specialist in pre-modern Europe before she dug in to a series of unsolved murders that occurred in Tennessee a century ago. A professor at Maryville College in Tennessee, Dr. Locklin shares the incredible journey behind her collaborative project exploring the unsolved case of the Night Marauder, a serial killer who terrorized East Tennessee in the 1920s. From engaging her students in deep research to uncovering long-forgotten community stories, Dr. Locklin's work sheds light on how the absence of modern conveniences like air conditioning, internet, and advanced forensics shaped life—and crime—in early 20th-century Appalachia. (Learn more about her work and connect at TheNightMarauderProject.com/ Dr. Locklin also delves into her broader academic journey, including her work on an 18th-century French murder trial, and how her training in historical violence informed her sensitivity to survivor stories. Through collaboration with students, local genealogists, and archivists, her Night Marauder project has gained attention, evolving into a forthcoming book set for release in 2026. You Will Learn: Engaged Learning Brings History to Life: Dr. Laughlin empowered her students to lead research efforts, building not only their academic skills but also their connection to local history. Survivor-Centric Storytelling Matters: Whether exploring 18th-century France or 1920s Tennessee, focusing on the humanity of victims fosters empathy and responsibility in research. Community Partnerships Create Impact: Collaboration with local libraries, genealogists, and media turned the Night Marauder project into a community-wide effort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices