News

Left: Plan of the City of New York from William Duncan’s 1793 city directory. (Digital Collections, New York Public Library) Right: Portrait of Alexander Anderson, c. 1815, by John Wesley Jarvis (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)

Here’s how New York City survived a deadly outbreak — in the 1790s

April 21, 2021

Through the eyes of front-line medical worker Alexander Anderson, a forthcoming book by VCU history professor Carolyn Eastman will explore how New York grappled with yellow fever epidemics.

Cast photo from "The Donna Reed Show." Standing: Shelley Fabares and Paul Petersen. Seated: Carl Betz and Donna Reed.

What would Donna Reed do?

March 26, 2021

VCU graduate Annie Newton discusses “The Donna Reed Show” and how Reed, a celebrated actress, shaped feminism in the 1950s and 60s.

John C. Powers reappointed chair of Department of History

March 12, 2021

Powers has worked at VCU for the past 14 years, serving most recently as an associate professor in the Department of History.

Thirteen VCU students and recent graduates have been named semifinalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the 2021-22 academic year.

13 from VCU named Fulbright semifinalists for 2021-22

March 2, 2021

Thirteen VCU students and recent graduates have been named semifinalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the 2021-22 academic year.

Ana Edwards, who earned her master's degree in history from VCU in 2020, is the first recipient of the Department of History's Graduate Alumni Achievement Award. (Thomas Kojcsich, University Marketing)

Ana Edwards is preserving Black history — and sharing it with others

Feb. 23, 2021

The VCU alumna and chair of the Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project, will receive the VCU history department’s highest honor for graduate alumni March 18.

Carolyn Eastman's "The Strange Genius of Mr. O" tells the story of the rise and fall of James Ogilvie, whose oratory performances made him a household name in America’s founding era. (Eastman photo by Allison Bell)

‘The Strange Genius of Mr. O’ reveals the story of America’s first forgotten celebrity

Feb. 9, 2021

The book by VCU history professor Carolyn Eastman dives into performances, eccentricities, scandals and narcissism — and the nature of fame in America’s founding era.