Historians/History

History Doyen: David Brion Davis

by Bonnie Goodman

What he's famous for.

How the Federal Government Banned a Book (Mine) in NYC in 2018

by David Pietrusza

Is the story of the possible suicide of a president (in this case Teddy Roosevelt) off limits?

The Shocking Lynching of Will Brown 100 Years Ago

by Palma Joy Strand

It happened in 1919 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Can an Amateur Historian Rewrite History?

by Will Soper

The author found out the truth about an infamous incident in 1854 involving the Navy. But getting the story changed in official government accounts hasn’t been easy.

Why Jefferson Advised Against the Study of Morality

by M. Andrew Holowchak

He didn’t believe you could reason your way to morality.

We’ve Been Celebrating Two Wright Brothers When We Should Be Celebrating Just One

by William Hazelgrove

The brother who figured out how to fly was Wilbur.

What Captain Harry Truman Learned When He Was in Combat During World War 1

by D. M. Giangreco

Until now we didn’t know.

A Distinguished History Professor Retires—Then Goes to Art School

by Robin Lindley

A conversation with historian Nell Painter on her life in history and her “encore career” in art.

What Shakespeare’s Wife Could Tell Us

by Katherine West Scheil

But what do we know about her?

Eugenic Madness Before We Even Had a Word for Eugenics

by Theodore M. Porter

Research now shows systematic research on human heredity goes back at least half a century longer than supposed, and that from the start it was bound up with eugenic fears and ambitions.

The Retired Historian Who Writes Travel Books in Rome

by Erik Moshe

Bill Graebner taught at Fredonia for 33 years. Now he authors travel books, blogs, and loves photography.

Another Reason to Celebrate John McCain Was His Critical Role in Establishing the 9-11 Commission

by Anthony Toth

He made sure the most important questions were answered.

The Senate’s Incomplete Hall of Fame

by Ronald L. Feinman

Three portraits should be added to the room the Senate uses to honor great members: John McCain, George Norris, and Ted Kennedy

Did Thomas Jefferson Have a Consistent Message on Free Presses?

by M. Andrew Holowchak

The evidence shows a gap between his approbation of a free press and his experience with it. 

Kissinger Is at It Again

by Robert K. Brigham

At McCain’s funeral he presented himself as a foreign policy sage. He wasn’t one.

What Was Life Like in a 19th Century Fishing Village in Massachusetts?

by Robin Lindley

That’s the story maritime attorney Bradley Bagshaw tells in a novel. (Interview)

The Power of Words

by Dale Schlundt

As you tap out words on your phone, it’s worth remembering that you are participating in history.

How the U.S. Holocaust Museum's New Calendar Distorts the Holocaust

by Rafael Medoff

It whitewashes FDR's response to the Holocaust.

What I’m Reading: An Interview With Middle East Historian Laura Robson

by Erik Moshe

Her first history class in college revealed in shocking ways that she had essentially been lied to in school about nearly every aspect of the past.

The Forgotten Founding Father Who Fought an Unscrupulous Journalist

by Harlow Giles Unger

And won.