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

mike amezcue

Dec. 3, 2024

Making Mexican Chicago: Displacement, Gentrification and Resilience of Latinx

Mike Amezcua, Ph.D., shared a powerful narrative of resilience and adaptation among Mexicano communities in Chicago. Amezcua traced their journey from exploited labor and housing discrimination, including the impact of gentrification, ending in the cultural and social contributions made by the communities.

Installation view of “Virginia & the Vietnam War” exhibit guest-curated by VCU history professor Emilie Raymond. (Photo provided by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture)

Nov. 26, 2024

Museum exhibition curated by VCU’s Emilie Raymond presents multifaceted picture of Virginia and the Vietnam War era

At the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, the history professor brings together narratives and objects that tell a wide-ranging story of veterans, families, refugees, activists and others.

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.

History Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

v.c.u. graduates with their graduation caps at the commencement

History Commencement Ceremony

Date: Sunday, Dec 15, 2024

Join us for the celebration of our graduates.