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

antonio espinoza

Oct. 1, 2025

Pope Leo Q&A with Antonio Espinoza

Q&A with Dr. Antonio Espinoza provides a sneak peek at what attendees will learn about at the upcoming lecture, "An American Pontiff: Assessing the First Months and Contemplating the Future of Pope Leo XIV."

Rocio Gomez

Sept. 19, 2025

Latin American History Q&A with Rocío Gomez

Q&A with Dr. Rocío Gomez provides a sneak peek at what attendees will learn about the Cristero War in 1920's Mexico and it's relevance to today's established digital legacies in the current conservative movements on both sides of the border.

Sept. 10, 2025

VCU announces recipients of 2025 faculty awards for scholarship, teaching excellence

Interim Provost Beverly J. Warren today announced 30 winners of VCU’s National/International Recognition Awards and 25 winners of the Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Awards.

History Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

history students speaking with john herman

History Department Course Fair

Date: Thursday, Oct 30, 2025

Join the VCU History Department on October 30 from 1 - 4 p.m. to chat with your professors, get advising assistance, enjoy some snacks and network with other history majors.