Why study history?

The study of history begins with questions, not answers. We seek to know what happened in the past, and we also seek to understand why.

As our present-day context raises new challenges for our communities, historians are inspired to ask new questions about the past, seeking understanding of a broad variety of human experiences. Historians explore questions about past politics and economics, intellectual developments, social concerns shaped by race, gender and class, and facets of culture ranging from arts and languages to human spaces and emotions. As a result, the study of history is dynamic, rather than static, and those trained in this discipline develop valuable skills in gathering, evaluating, connecting and interpreting factual information, and in the use of evidence to argue persuasively for their conclusions.

Learn more about what historians do and why employers value these skills.

News

F. Baer at podium

Oct. 25, 2024

The Forgotten Soldiers: German Troops in the American Revolution

The often-overlooked and forgotten experiences of 30,000 German soldiers who fought for Britain in the American Revolution are brought to light, challenging misconceptions and offering a deeper understanding of their role in the conflict. Their stories reveal the complexities of their service and the impact they had on the war's outcome.

Aughenbaugh and Eastman in front of ppt screen

Oct. 9, 2024

From Drafts to Ballots: The Legacy of the 26th Amendment

This year’s Constitution Day Lecture featured Carolyn Eastman, Ph.D., and John Aughenbaugh, Ph.D. who spoke on how the 26th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution came to be, and what that means for voters of the past and present.

history now students on a tour of hollywood cemetery

Sept. 27, 2024

Capstone Choices: The Unique Opportunities of HIST 490 for VCU History Majors

VCU senior history majors face a key decision: the hands-on experience of HIST 493 or the research challenge of HIST 490. For those ready to dive deeper, HIST 490 offers diverse topics and close faculty mentorship.

History Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Yosef Garfinkle, Ph.D.

From the Canaanites to the Babylonians: Ancient Inscriptions from Lachish, Israel

Date: Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024

Join us for an exploration of the latest findings from Tel Lachish, an ancient settlement in the lowlands of the Judea Hill country in central Israel.