Department of History

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Ryan Smith is interested in cemeteries as sources to understand the past and as important subjects in their own right. (Contributed photo)

VCU history professor Ryan Smith to explore ‘Liberty and Death in St. John’s Churchyard’ on May 25

May 22, 2023

Smith’s lecture will draw from his most recent book “Death and Rebirth in a Southern City: Richmond’s Historic Cemeteries.”

10 projects awarded funding from the VCU Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Fund

May 16, 2023

The fund awarded nearly $100,000 this year to faculty for research projects related to the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Students in the Curating Exhibitions graduate seminar, Nana Ferdnance (left) and Jenah Creecy (right), discuss objects during the set up of the art exhibition, “(Kin)dred Ties,” featuring MFA students' work. Seminar students Mary McLean and Kathryn Long are seen in the background. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Students curate fellow students’ work in new VCUarts exhibition

May 5, 2023

The exhibition offers history and museum studies graduate students some hands-on experience in spotlighting the work of their studio-based peers.

left photo is emilie raymond at a table speaking about a vietnam vet / right side photo is Marine at Da Nang, 1965 (Photo: National Archives)

Virginia and the Vietnam War Exhibit: Call to share your story

May 2, 2023

Learn how to share your story for the Virginia Museum of History and Culture's upcoming "Virginia and the Vietnam War" exhibit to mark the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. Emilie Raymond, Ph.D., is the guest curator for this exhibit.

Randall Stephens speaking at a podium

A History Lesson in the Pentecostal Roots of Early Rock ‘n’ Roll: Annual Blake Lecture Recap

April 27, 2023

It was a full house on April 13 to hear the 2023 Blake lecturer, Professor Randall Stephens of the University of Oslo, present “Sanctified people got more fire: The Pentecostal Roots of Early Rock 'n' Roll.”

Robert Patterson speaking at podium

Black Lives Matter, Except When they Don't

April 19, 2023

On April 19th, 2023 Robert J. Patterson, Ph.D. of Georgetown University discussed the recent political controversies surrounding AP African American Studies, and why Black lives matter, except when they don't.

Emily Raymond and Schuyler VanValkenburg holding certificate

State Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg receives alumni achievement award

April 13, 2023

State Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg is the third person to receive the history department's highest honor for graduate alumni.

Georgia Temple

What can an internship do for you? Q&A with VCU history major Georgia Temple

April 7, 2023

Internships are integral to students’ success. We spoke with history student Georgia Temple about her internship.

Brooke Newman, Ph.D., is a leading historian of Britain focused on slavery and its legacies. (File photo)

VCU history professor Brooke Newman serves as lead researcher for Guardian’s investigation of British monarchy’s ties to slavery

April 6, 2023

Newman, whose forthcoming book is “The Queen’s Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery,” said “the British monarchy has refused to acknowledge or apologize for their historic links to slavery.”

Mary Sarah Bilder presenting a lecture

Female Genius: Discovering women’s history in the Constitution

April 3, 2023

Boston College law professor and award-winning author Mary Sarah Bilder discussed her latest book, "Female Genius: Eliza Harriot and George Washington at the Dawn of the Constitution."