Radiate Knowledge: Simeon Klepac ’25 Brings Hidden Histories to Light
For history major Simeon Klepac ’25, his time at Valparaiso University has been defined by discovery, storytelling, and an unwavering passion for public history. As a senior completing his capstone project, Simeon has found his calling by taking a deep dive into civil rights history at Indiana Dunes State Park, an endeavor that has solidified his career aspirations and enhanced his understanding of the power of historical research.
Simeon’s journey at Valpo has been one of exploration. Initially entering college as a music education major, he soon realized that his passion for history and storytelling was leading him in a different direction – toward the National Park Service and our history major. With the flexibility of Valpo’s history program, he was able to tailor his studies to fit his interests, pursuing both education and music minors alongside his history studies to enhance his skills as an educator and interpreter of the past.
“What really drew me to Valpo was the holistic education experience,” Simeon says. “The history department is strong, but so is education and music. It was a place where I could explore my interests without being locked into one path.”
It wasn’t long before Simeon found himself serving the community as a student park guide at Indiana Dunes National Park, an experience that bridged the gap between historical research and hands-on public engagement. Through his work, he developed the skills to make history accessible and meaningful to visitors – a skill that would later prove invaluable in his capstone research. He credits these experiences with giving him the confidence to take on his ambitious capstone project – a culminating, research-based, academic experience that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in their field of study – and the ability to translate historical knowledge into engaging narratives for diverse audiences.
While researching civil rights history in the Midwest, Simeon stumbled upon a 1934 racial incident at Indiana Dunes State Park. What began as a casual inquiry turned into an in-depth research project that took him to archives across the state, where he unearthed letters, newspaper clippings, and official documents that painted a vivid picture of segregation-era struggles in Northwest Indiana.
“In a lot of ways, it felt like being a detective,” Simeon explains. “I was combing through letters from the 1930s, trying to piece together a story that had been largely forgotten. And then, suddenly, I found this folder full of correspondence about the incident.”
His research shined a light on the role of H. Theodore Tatum, a principal from Gary, Indiana, who played a crucial part in challenging segregation at the state park. Tatum, alongside a coalition of educators, postal workers, and local activists, forced state officials to confront discriminatory policies that had barred Black beachgoers from accessing public park facilities. Tatum’s determination and ability to leverage his professional and social connections made the desegregation of Indiana Dunes State Park not just a small victory, but an essential step in the broader civil rights movement in the Midwest.
One of the most striking revelations from Simeon’s research was how many of the challenges faced in 1934 are echoed in today’s public discourse. “I found memos from the 1930s complaining about the same things I hear as a park ranger today – concerns about sand movement, overcrowding, and people from Chicago ‘invading’ the beaches,” he says. “The language might be different, but the themes are the same.”
His work also sheds light on the importance of collaboration in effecting change. By uniting with allies across societal and professional lines, Tatum and his colleagues ensured that their calls for justice couldn’t be dismissed as a niche issue. “That’s what really stood out to me,” Simeon reflects. “It wasn’t just one group fighting alone – it was a collective effort that made the difference.”
Simeon credits Valparaiso University’s history program with giving him the tools to conduct rigorous research and think critically about the past. Courses like Race and War in the 20th Century and Religious and Secular Humanisms provided him with frameworks for analyzing historical narratives, while hands-on experiences in public history classes allowed him to develop practical skills.
“I was lucky to have a supportive cohort and incredible professors who encouraged me to follow my instincts,” he says. “The faculty here are fantastic, and I only wish I had taken more classes with more professors.”
The University also funded his research, allowing him to travel to various archives to dig deeper into his topic. “Having that kind of institutional support made a huge difference,” he says. “It showed me that my work was valued.”
Valpo’s emphasis on interdisciplinary education also helped Simeon shape his approach. His participation in Christ College – The Honors College, allowed him to explore philosophical and ethical questions that intersect with historical study, further enriching his ability to contextualize the past in meaningful ways.
As Simeon prepares to graduate, he is setting his sights on a career with the National Park Service, where he hopes to continue uncovering and sharing untold stories. “I don’t think I’ll keep researching this specific topic, but I want to take what I’ve learned and apply it to new places,” he says. “There are so many important histories that need to be shared.”
His education at Valparaiso University has grounded his passion for public history, and he hopes to use his skills to make the parks more engaging and educational for visitors. Whether through leading tours or conducting further research, he wants to ensure that lesser-known stories, like the one he uncovered in his capstone studies, continue to be told.
His advice to incoming history majors? “Don’t be afraid to take risks. History isn’t just about memorizing dates – it’s about piecing together stories and finding meaning in the past. Go deep, challenge yourself, and be willing to argue for the narratives you uncover.”
For Simeon, history is more than just an academic pursuit – it’s a way of connecting people to the past and shaping a more informed future. His capstone project has proven just how powerful that connection can be. As he moves forward, he hopes to continue using history to shine a light on forgotten stories, serve the public through education, and radiate the passion that has guided him throughout his time at Valpo.
