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
March 21, 2023
Digital map of Richmond’s Barton Heights Cemeteries to be unveiled
The project by VCU, University of Richmond and community partners will make it far easier for descendants to find graves of family members at the historically African American cemeteries.
March 8, 2023
An overview of upcoming Women’s HerStory events at VCU
Virginia Commonwealth University will observe Women’s HerStory Month with a slate of interesting, informative and fun events throughout March.
March 6, 2023
Class of 2023: Bridget Ferguson is providing much-needed Spanish interpretation services in the legal system
Ferguson, a student in VCU’s Spanish-English Translation Interpretation Certificate program, says it feels “meaningful and rewarding to be able to put my abilities to use in a way that helps people and helps to maintain the integrity of our legal system.”
History Spotlight
Meet Nyah
Nyah Graham has a passion for learning and understanding our past. Visit our 'Meet a Student' page to read more about Nyah's favorite classes, favorite professors, and what she plans to do with her bachelor's degree in history.
