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

Justin Wright

April 1, 2025

Constant Pursuit of Excellence: History to HR

History alum Justin Wright shares his experience of obtaining a history degree from VCU and using it to explore athletics, student success and human resources.

clark kelley sitting on stairs outside of the history building

March 21, 2025

Walking Through History: Preserving and Reviving Richmond’s African-American Cemeteries

Through walking tours, and academic and community collaboration, VCU history major and UROP student Clark Kelley has worked with Ryan Smith, Ph.D. and Friends of East End to highlight the historical and cultural significance of Richmond’s African-American cemeteries in hopes of revitalizing a space for learning and reflection.

The Academy Awards will be held on March 2. (Getty Images)

Feb. 27, 2025

At the movies: Professors review Oscar-nominated films through the lens of their expertise

Ahead of the Academy Awards, professors discuss what worked – or didn’t – in five of the 2025 nominees.

History Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Peter Marty

The Blake Lecture in the History of Christianity presents "The wisdom of Lincoln for a zero-sum world"

Date: Thursday, Apr 3, 2025

Join us April 3 for the annual Blake Lecture in the History of Christianity featuring Peter Marty, editor/publisher of The Christian Century.