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

jodi magness

Nov. 20, 2024

Uncovering Herodian Archaeology: The Temple Mount and the Holy City

From the expansion of King Herod’s Temple Mount to the remnants of the palace and fortifications, Jodi Magness, Ph.D., shared Herod’s architectural feats in the Holy City and how it shaped hundreds of years of archaeological history.

Gabriela León-Pérez poses with her Latino Virginia students and undergraduate research assistants. (Photo contributed by Gabriela León-Pérez)

Nov. 12, 2024

Latino Virginia oral history project gives voice to stories that supplant stereotypes

The collaboration from VCU professors Gabriela León-Pérez and Daniel Morales will form a public database documenting the state’s fastest-growing minority population.

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.

History Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Elizabeth Shanks Alexander

What Might the Ancients Have Thought about Recent ‘Gender-Sensitive’ Translations of the Bible?

Date: Monday, Dec 2, 2024

Join us December 2 for a brown bag lunch featuring a talk by Elizabeth Shanks Alexander, Ph.D., professor of religious studies at University of Virginia.