public engagement

The Twitterstorians Trying to De-Trumpify American History

In a time when President Trump and his followers are known for spreading dubious versions of American history, historians are taking to Twitter to set the record straight.

Academic researchers of Iranian history and more publish letter condemning Trump' threat to target Iranian sites

Academic researchers of Iranian history, archaeology, art and culture, based in national museums and universities across the world, react in horror to the US president’s threat to target Iranian sites.

The case for historians being more engaged in public affairs, not less

by Adam Laats

Americans need to not just study history, but to better understand why our knowledge of the past is ever-evolving.

A Museum For The People: Anacostia Community Museum

by Laura Gonzalez

A "Museum For The People" symposium was organized by the Anacostia Community Museum to discuss how museums and community orgs can create inclusive spaces for dialogue, action, collaboration, and reflection. 

An Art History Mystery with No Shortage of Sleuths

Is a bronze statue discovered in France a 16th century Renaissance masterpiece or a (much less valuable) 17th century copy? Readers shared their theories, opinions and expertise.  

Digesting History: A Conversation with the Museum of Food and Drink’s Curatorial Director Catherine Piccoli

by Chelsea Connolly

Food historian Catherine Piccoli describes how this Brooklyn museum encourages its visitors to literally "digest" history.

The New History Channel Is YouTube, But Can We Trust The Experts?

Writing and reporting history still requires documenting the trail of reason to the conclusions.

Historians Allison Horrocks and Mary Mahoney bring history to life in podcast

After inviting listeners to step into a historical world on each episode, Horrocks and Mahoney launch into debates about the problematic aspects of American Girl, draw links to pop culture and talk about the lessons that the characters learn.

Jim McGrath on Podcasts and Public History

by Jim McGrath

"This post is a reflection on my ongoing experiences with podcasts as a listener, creator, and collaborator."

Could footnotes be the key to winning the disinformation wars?

by Karin Wulf

More than ever, we need what this tool provides: accountability and transparency. 

The Value of History Podcasts: An Interview with Historian and Podcaster Mike Duncan

by Scott Benigno

"Wherever we’re headed history will always thrive.”

Bret Stephens launches a foolish Twitter war

by David M. Perry

Being called a bedbug just isn't a big deal. Writing to a provost about the actions of an academic on Twitter, which Stephens said he did because "managers should be aware" how "their people...interact in the world," is the big deal. 

It's time the public had a share in the past again

by Diána Vonnák

What we can learn about heritage-based urban renewal from Lviv, Ukraine. 

American Historical Association Releases Statement on Domestic Terrorism, Bigotry, and History

The statement was endorsed by many other scholarly organizations. 

Setting the historical record straight for the critics of The New York Times project on slavery in America

by Kelley Fanto Deetz

Conservative characterizations oversimplify the complex history of the slave trade and discourage important conversations about, and an understanding of, American history. 

Make History Accessible: The Case for YouTube

by Rohit Kandala

Youtube presents a great opportunity for both professional history educators and amateurs to enhance the public’s interest in history. 

The Cold War Spy and CIA Master of Disguise Writing the History of CIA Tactics in the Cold War

by Aleisha Smith

An interview with Jonna Mendez. A former Chief of Disguise with 27 years in the CIA, she discusses her latest book (co-authored with her husband Tony Mendez), her experience in the CIA, and her role at the Spy Museum.

Environmental Historian Sara Dant: "History Is As Relevant Today As Ever."

by Korina Ike

"We have many challenges - environment, politics, social, cultural - that are the end-product of our historical arc.  Understanding how we got here, what has worked and what hasn’t in the past, gives us the best chance of moving forward successfully."

Are Historians Doing Enough to Address Climate Change?

by Walter G. Moss

For too long historians also paid too little attention to the most important topic of our day.

What Naomi Wolf and Cokie Roberts teach us about the need for historians

by Karin Wulf

Without historical training, it’s easy to make big mistakes about the past.