Historians in the News

When James Baldwin Squared Off Against William F. Buckley Jr.

Nicholas Buccola's book, "The Fire Is Upon Us: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley Jr., and the Debate Over Race in America" examines the debates between Baldwin and Buckley.  The book is available now.  

Julie Hirschfeld Davis & Michael D. Shear: Inside Trump’s Assault on Immigration

by Chris Riback

But it turns out, the immigration story — the historical American experience and the current realities — serves as an incredibly useful way to consider the entire Trump presidency: Obsession, chaos, fear, depravity, and yet – meaningful, important, and potentially-lasting change that has shifted not only how the world views America, but how we view ourselves.

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Heather Ann Thompson sees Detroit as central for carceral reform

We’re poised for positive change with incredible energy to make our criminal justice system more just, and nowhere are we seeing that more than in Detroit. 

Gail Collins' robust social history of America's changing attitudes towards women's aging

No Stopping Us Now makes clear, for example, that two particularly challenging times to be an older woman in America were the youth-obsessed 1920s and 1960s. 

Historian Brad Simpson Says He's Never Read a Letter As Unhinged As Trump's To Erdogan

Among those on Twitter voicing their bemusement, was U.S. foreign relations expert Brad Simpson, an associate professor at the University of Connecticut.

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.

Modern art historian, US museum director and clergyman EA Carmean, Jr has died, age 74

He was the National Gallery of Art’s founding curator of 20th-century art and led the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

Historian Andrew David Teaching Impeachment during an Impeachment Inquiry

Andrew David pivots his lecture to teach about American presidential history as it unfolds.

Academic Twitter's Gender Imbalance

Female academics have about half the followers of men on Twitter and wield otherwise diminished influence there, according to a new study. The analysis pertains to medicine, but women across fields say the findings ring true.

‘Return to the Reich’ Review: Refugee Redux

The true story of a Jewish boy from Freiburg who escaped Nazi Germany only to return as an American commando on a secret mission.

Black Perspectives Announces Online Forum Honoring the Life and Work of Dr. Rosalyn Terborg-Penn

by AAIHS Editors

During the week of the online forum, Black Perspectives will publish new blog posts every day at 5:30AM EST.

It was the nation’s largest auction of enslaved people. Now, a search for descendants of the ‘weeping time.’

Historians Henry Louis Gates Jr. and James Swanson are writing a new account of the notorious 1859 auction of 429 slaves and searching for descendants.

Historians Jon Meacham, Mark Summers, Keri Leigh Merritt, Michael Ross, Brenda Wineapple, and Benjamin Railton Featured in Article on Andrew Johnson and Impeachment

As the impeachment inquiry of Trump unfolds, Johnson, never among America’s most famous presidents, though widely considered one of the worst, is attracting renewed attention.

Serhii Plokhii on Ukraine’s Political Frontiers

Professor Serhii Plokhii, the Mykhailo S. Hrushevs'kyi Professor of Ukrainian History at Harvard, discussed Ukranian history, the Trump-Ukraine scandal, and the roles that both Russia and the United States have played in shaping the country’s politics.

Labor Historian Staughton Lynd's Book Is Embraced by Google Workers and Uber Drivers

A book based on ideas associated with a labor group from the early 20th century has provided a blueprint for organizing without a formal union.

Rick Perry recommended former ambassador, historian Daniel Yergin for Ukraine reforms-U.S. Energy Dept

Perry recommended Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s administration talk with Daniel Yergin, a Pulitzer Prize winning energy historian.

American Historical Association Announces 2019 Prize Winners

Dozens of historians will be recognized for their exceptional books, distinguished teaching and mentoring in the classroom, public history, and other historical projects.

Nancy Pelosi Retweets Op Ed By Historian Jordan E. Taylor

by Jordan E. Taylor

The origins of our efforts to keep foreign countries out of our elections.

“We Feel Very Betrayed”: Community Protests Replacement for J. Marion Sims Monument

New York City published an open call to replace a contested monument for Sims, who conducted brutal experimental surgeries on enslaved Black women without using anesthesia. 

Ginsburg predicts historians will call this political era an 'aberration'

Ginsburg offered her thoughts Thursday on how historians will view this period of American history.