In Memoriam: Jeffrey H. Richards

Jeffrey H. Richards passed away on May 30, 2011, after a battle with brain cancer. He held degrees from Yale University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Over the course of his career, he taught at Duke University, North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Lakeland College, and Beijing Normal University. His last appointment was at Old Dominion University, where he was a professor and eminent scholar of English and served two terms as chair of the department, and where he received the Doctoral Mentoring Award in 2011. In terms of his scholarship, he is best known as the author of groundbreaking publications on early American drama: Theater Enough (Duke UP, 1991); Mercy Otis Warren (Twayne/Simon and Schuster, 1995), Drama, Theatre, and Identity in the American New Republic (Cambridge UP, 2005); his several edited books; and his many essays, including "Sati in Philadelphia: The Widow(s) of Malabar," which was awarded Honorable Mention for the 2008 Foerster Prize (given by the American Literature section of the Modern Language Association for the best article of the year to appear in the journal American Literature).

The curriculum vitae gives an idea of the breadth and significance of his teaching and research, but of course we treasured and admired Jeff for contributions far beyond the printed page. Jeff's dedication to his work was inspiring. After his diagnosis, we both had conversations with him about his work in progress, which included such varied topics as a book on the idea of independence in the Revolutionary Atlantic world and a cultural biography of early American illusionist and puppeteer Joseph Falconi. We came to see how his vocation for research and teaching sustained him. Just six weeks before his passing, optimistic in the midst of new radiation treatments that made him miss the Philadelphia SEA meeting, he reflected in an e-mail to Tim, "It's been an adventure—the dullest of voyages (take this medicine), and the most thrilling (you're gonna die, boy!)—when what I want to do is get one article sent out and get to my research leave at the end of the year."

Colleagues remember Jeff with respect and affection, as a generous scholar, a witty, sympathetic colleague and a warm friend. On the Society of Early Americanists "In Memorium" page, you can find, in the words of Peter Reed, a "chorus of people remembering Jeff." Heather Nathans writes of Jeff's importance to rising scholars:

I first met Jeff while I was still a graduate student and soon learned to treasure his warmth and encouragement. I still remember the day when I found out he had footnoted me on something! It felt as though I had truly arrived in the field of early American theatre. Although I don't know that he ever did it consciously, Jeff was a wonderful mentor and role model. He led by his own generous and kind example. I will miss him tremendously.

Many, like Daniel Williams, remember Jeff's strong support of those of us beyond graduate school:

Jeff was a particularly perceptive and productive scholar, and his work in early American drama was truly groundbreaking, helping to open up this most interesting area of study. He was always working on something, and always thinking, and his knowledge of early American print culture was extensive. Whenever I had a questions related to theaters, actors, plays, and playwrights, I would email Jeff, and he would always respond quickly with an answer. I am sure he did the same with a hundred or more other people seeking his help.

Especially telling are the tributes to Jeff's willingness to take on, in David Shields's words,

duties that most of his colleagues deemed onerous, serving in a host of administrative posts at Old Dominion to insure that the work of his Department got done. He performed with good grace the most tedious and necessary tasks, fully conscious of the tax on his mortal time, but mindful that the essence of maturity is doing that which must be done.

In addition to his service to Old Dominion, Tom Krise...