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

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.

eastman talking to audience at society lecture

Sept. 6, 2024

What is the Society of the Cincinnati Lecture? Carolyn Eastman, Ph.D. has the answers

The history department hosts a Society of the Cincinnati lecture each year, but what is it about? Find out more with the professor who looks for revolutionary era speakers and topics that examine the full, complex picture of what happened, rather than just the patriotic stories we learned as children.

History Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Mike Amezcua

The Greer Lecture in Latin American History Series presents "Making Mexican Chicago"

Date: Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024

Join us October 22 for “Making Mexican Chicago: From Postwar Settlement to the Age of Gentrification.” The lecture by Mike Amezcua, Ph.D. explores the growth of Chicago's Mexican/Mexican-American community, its fight for political and cultural recognition, and its battles with gentrification.