Duquesne University Department of History

Women's History Month Keynote Speaker: Dr. Regina G. Lawrence

2012-02-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

The Center for Women's and Gender Studies at Duquesne University has organized a series of events addressing thetheme, "Women and Politics," for Women's History Month 2012.

Dr. Regina G. Lawrence, authorof Hillary Clinton's Race for the WhiteHouse: Gender Politics and the Media on the Campaign Trail, willdeliver the keynote presentation on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 7pm in the PowerCenter Ballroom. This event is free and open to the public, and areception and book signing will follow her talk.

Dr. Lawrence will meet withinterested students and faculty earlier that same day for an informalconversation about gender, politics, and the media.

PAID Collections Internship at Fallingwater!

2012-01-31T05:50:00.000-08:00

Women's and Gender Studies Opportunities!

2012-01-18T08:41:00.000-08:00

Duquesne's Human Rights Film Festival Returns!

2012-01-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

Duquesne proudly continues its Human Rights Film Festival this year, showing award-winning films that deal with the most critical abuses of human rights in our world today. For more information, check out their website. All films are free and open to the public. Just bring your own popcorn! See you there!

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Kerri Werner

2012-01-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

We're excited to continue our Graduate Assistant Spotlight series here on our blog. You've already met Public History graduate student and assistant Regina Brinza. Now meet Public History graduate student and assistant Kerri Werner.

THE BASICS:

Undergraduate Institution:

Lycoming Collegein Williamsport,PA

Undergraduate Major:
Double Major in History and Archaeology and Culture of the Ancient Near East,with a minor in Sociology

Hometown:
McKeesport, PA

THE NITTY GRITTY:

Favorite Movie:
The Lion in Winter (1968) –completely historically inaccurate, but hilarious and strangely insightful

Favorite Historical Period:
I studied everything from ancient history to Europeduring the era of the world wars in undergrad, so my interests are all over theplace, and I’ve never been able to narrow it down to just one favorite period.

Extracurricular Activities in College:
I was in Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Alpha Theta, and Theta Alpha Kappa. I was a circulation desk assistant at thecollege’s Snowden Library and a laboratory assistant for the BiblicalArchaeology class. I was also a memberof the Creative Arts Society.

Little Known Fact About You:

I own afew handguns and a shotgun. I’m alsoworking on improving my archery skills, but I have a tendency to lose arrows inthe bushes.

What area of history are youfocusing on in your graduate career here at Duquesne University?

I’m onthe Public History track, so I’m focusing on gaining professional skills inarchives and museum studies.

What are some of the responsibilitiesyou will have as a graduate assistant here in the department? Who are thefaculty members you’ll be assisting?

I’massigned to Dr. Sienkewicz and Dr. Hyland. I’ve been grading assignments and performing some research tasks. This upcoming semester, I’ll also bepotentially covering some classes.

How do you like Pittsburgh?

I grew up near Pittsburgh and I’ve always liked it, butspending so much time in the city for class is definitely making me like it allthe more.

What are your plans (or yourdreams) for after you finish your M.A.?

Ideally, I’d like to be employed in CollectionsManagement at a nearby museum. In aperfect world, I would also return to archaeological fieldwork.

What is one of the things you’remost excited to experience here at Duquesne/in Pittsburgh?

I’m looking forward to the internshipopportunities.

Book Signing and Free Lecture: Art History Faculty Member Elizabeth Lev

2012-01-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Join the Art History Program and the Italian Campus as they welcome faculty member Elizabeth Lev on Tuesday, January 10th, as she promotes her newest work: The Tigress of Forli.

Dr. Lev will be available from 12-1 p.m. for a book signing at the campus Barnes and Nobel Bookstore on Forbes Avenue, connected to the Power Center. Then, later that evening, please join Dr. Lev as she gives a free lecture from 5-7 p.m. in the Pappert Lecture Hall in the Bayer Building. You can view directions and a map of campus here.

You also can see Dr. Lev in her interview on Fox News here:

Coupons for Troops

2011-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Several of our History majors and one of our graduate students currently serve in the U.S. military, and for their service, we are extremely grateful.

The Duquesne University Volunteers (DUV) Office is sponsoring a new project to help military families during deployment periods. They will be collecting grocery coupons which are active as well as expired and distributing them to a not-for-profit organization that shares them with military families. These coupons, even if expired, can be used by service families for up to 6 months after expiration!

Coupons can be sent to the DUV office at 305 Union.

Every month, on the 15th, a package will be sent to recognize these service families each month. Please remember the families of active servicemen and women by participating in this new campus endeavor.

Thank you for taking the time to support our military service members, including those in our Department of History family.

(images from here and here, respectively)

Volunteer Intern Opportunities--Fort Necessity

2011-12-09T07:08:00.001-08:00

Attention Public History Graduate Students: If you are accepted into one of these positions, the Department of History can make arrangements to have it count as one of the internship requirements. Please see Dr. Perry Blatz.

Volunteer Intern Opportunities

Interpretation/Guide –Fort Necessity/Friendship Hill
Training and researchmaterials are provided to volunteers to develop a variety of interpretive talksand programs relating to Fort Necessity’s primary themes of George Washingtonat Fort Necessity; French and Indian War; the French, British and AmericanIndian participants; the Mount Washington Tavern and the National Road.Friendship Hill is about the statesman/diplomat Albert Gallatin; WesternExpansion and the Whiskey Rebellion.
Fort Necessity – Living History soldier: presents talks and musket or artillery firings on a regular basis to adults and children. These programs are usually conducted April-October.
Fort Necessity – Mount Washington Tavern: on a regular basis presents talks or guided tours to adults and children. These programs are usually conducted April-October.
Fort Necessity – Staffing the Visitor Center desk; collecting entrance fees; providing information and assistance to visitors. Fill in for the Eastern National bookstore clerk. Year round.
Fort Necessity-Staffing Fur Trade station: on a regular basis in the summer, present formal or informal talks about the fur trade between the American Indians, French and British in the mid-18^th century in the Ohio River Valley.
Friendship Hill – Staffing the Visitor Center desk and relating the story of Albert Gallatin and his connection to southwestern Pennsylvania. Daily April-October and weekends November-March.
Friendship Hill – House tours conducted daily April-October and weekends November-March.

Education Aid – Fort Necessity/Friendship Hill- Work with the Education Specialist on curriculumdevelopment; setting up conferences; tourism promotion; conducting curriculumbased education programs for all grade levels.

Technological Aid-Fort Necessity/Friendship Hill-Work with Park staff and Press Information Officer onpress releases; website development; podcast development; video taping;photography and other projects as needed.

Library Aid-Fort Necessity/Friendship Hill-Assist the Librarians on a variety of projectsincluding: preparing new books to be processed into the collection; libraryinventory; re-shelving books and magazines; and check for overdue items.

Administrative Aid – Fort Necessity-Work in the Administrative office providing clericalassistance. This would include typing, filing, copying, computer data entry andworking on projects as assigned.

Resource Management Aid – Fort Necessity/FriendshipHill-Work with the ResourceManagement Specialist on a variety of projects including: monitoring and datacollection for water quality; wildlife and fisheries population and habitatmanagement; vegetation and pest management; and human impact assessment.

Curatorial Aid- Fort Necessity/Friendship Hill-Assist Curatorial Specialist with preservation of themuseum collections. Projects could include: photographing museum objects;measuring museum artifacts; recording information on computer; properly storingcollection; inventory; cataloging new additions to the collection; andcollection and exhibit maintenance.

Maintenance Aid-Fort Necessity/Friendship Hill-Assist the permanent office staff in computer dataentry. Other projects could include: assist maintenance in trailrehabilitation; grounds mowing/grooming; carpentry; plumbing; electrical;historic preservation and other related tasks.

Training of interns andvolunteers may consist of formal classroom training in early June and/or on thejob informal shadowing of experienced volunteers and rangers. Black powdertraining is usually held the first week of June.

Please return applications with references to:Volunteer Coordinator, Fort Necessity NationalBattlefield, 1 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437.For further information call: 724-329-5512.

Call for Submissions: Tufts University Historical Review

2011-12-02T06:31:00.001-08:00

Hey students! Ever thought about having your scholarly work published? Now might be your chance! Today we received this information from Tufts University:

TheOffice of the President, the Department of History, and the
History Society of Tufts University are delighted to announce a call
for submissions to the Tufts Historical Review, an academic journal of
global history that seeks undergraduate and graduate papers of the
highest caliber.

The Tufts Historical Review is one of the few undergraduate-led
journals of its kind in the United States. A highly selective
publication intended to recognize outstanding student work in history
and the humanities, the Tufts Historical Review is distributed to the
libraries of leading research institutions, including the College of
William and Mary, and Harvard, Tufts, Cornell, and Georgetown
universities. Alongside an active student board of undergraduates and
graduates, the Tufts Historical Review enjoys an advisory board
including such renowned historians as Felipe Fernández-Armesto.

This year’s theme is THIEVES AND TYRANTS. History has been marked by
individuals and groups that have exhibited extraordinary charisma,
aberrant behavior, and a knack for bending or breaking laws and
customs. Whether these actors are dictators, imperialists, pirates,
rebels, vigilantes, or demagogues, all have had a hand in transforming
or transgressing traditional power structures and social, political,
and economic norms. Tufts Historical Review seeks outstanding
articles that explore the historical development, application or
understanding of tyranny and deviance that have shaped civilizations,
cultures, and polities.

The Tufts Historical Review is committed to publishing the finest in
undergraduate and graduate research in history and the humanities. As
such, we require that all submissions subscribe to the highest
standards of academic quality. Failure to ascribe to the following
requirements may result in the rejection of a submission to the Tufts
Historical Review.

•           Allsubmissions must be cited in accordance with the Chicago Manual
of Style, 15th Edition.
•           Allsubmissions that have previously appeared in another publication
will not be considered eligible.
•           Submissionsfrom both undergraduate (B.A.) and graduate (M.A., PhD.)
students are welcomed.
•           Submissionsshould range between 2,500 and 8,000 words. Longer
submissions are acceptable, but may be subject to editing by the
Editorial Board of the Tufts Historical Review for purposes of brevity
if selected.
•           Applicant’sname and information (including academic affiliation and
contact information) should only appear on a cover page.

All submissions must be emailed to tuftshistoricalreview@gmail.comby
February 12, 2012 for review by the editorial board of the Tufts
Historical Review. We look forward to reading your submission!

Most sincerely,

Vittoria Elliott
Co-Chief Editor

Laura Taronas
Co-Chief Editor

Nicholas F. Russell
Senior Graduate Editor

Benjamin J. Sacks
Chief Editor Emeritus

--
Karen Adler
3409 Ashley Terrace, NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-262-8775
kadler@adlerrobin.com

6th Annual Turkey Drive

2011-10-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Every year, the Department of History partners with the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) to raise money for disadvantaged families during the Thanksgiving holiday season. In 2009, our department raised $150 for the Turkey Drive--enough to feed 6 families. Last year, our department pulled together in an extraordinary act of community and kindness and raised more than double that amount! This year, we plan on doing it again, and we hope you'll help.

Just stop by the History Department main office in 603 College Hall to make your donation. ANY AMOUNT helps--even $1. You can make your donation in cash, a check made payable to Office of Multicultural Affairs, or a Giant Eagle gift card. The deadline to donate is Friday, November 18. We will then take our group collection to the OMA.

Rahmon Hart, Director of Multicultural Affairs here at Duquesne, tells us how your generosity will make a significant impact on our neighbors:

Greetings Friends/Colleagues,

I hope all is well. Despite all the economic turmoilthat people are experiencing in this country, many of us are truly blessed tobe gainfully employed as we enter this holiday season. In appreciation ofour continued blessings, the Office of Multicultural Affairs at DuquesneUniversity is coordinating the 6th Annual OMA Turkey Drive to help those whoare less fortunate in local communities to enjoy a dinner with their family andloved ones on Thanksgiving Day. Last year this initiative raised enough fundsto provide turkeys to over 200 families in the Hill District, Manchester,Hazelwood, and East Liberty communities.

Please...consider helping us toreach our goal of providing 300 turkeys to disadvantaged families in the Pittsburgharea. It is just $25 to sponsor a family for Thanksgiving but donationsof any size would be greatly appreciated ($5, $25, $50, $100, etc.)...You can donate with cash, checks payable tothe Office of Multicultural Affairs, budget transfer from your department, orwith Giant Eagle gift cards. The deadline to contribute is Friday,November 18th.

If you would like to organize your own drive and collectfunds in support of the OMA Turkey Drive, please let me know and I will contactyou with additional information. If you have any questions, please don'thesitate to contact me. Many hands make light work!

Sincerely,

Rahmon

Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your generosity!

Congratulations to Dr. Joseph Coohill

2011-10-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to faculty member Dr. Joe Coohill on the publication of his recent book, Ideas of the Liberal Party: Perceptions, Agendas and Liberal Politics in the House of Commons, 1832-1852 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). The book arrived yesterday in the mail to much celebration.

Law and Order in the Underground Economy--a lecture by Sudhir Venkatesh

2011-10-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Join the Duquesne University community as it welcomes Sudhir Venkatesh, William B. Ransford Professor of Sociology at Columbia University and author of the highly-acclaimed Gang Leader for a Day.

Venkatesh's lecture is Wednesday, November 2, 2011, and begins at 7 p.m. in the Power Center Ballroom on Duquesne University's campus. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit the English Department's Events website.

The War of 1812: 2-hour special TONIGHT

2011-10-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

If you're an American history buff--or even a British or Canadian history buff--then you won't want to miss tonight's 2-hour special on PBS.

Watch the full episode. See more The War of 1812.

Art/History Club Organizational Meeting--Thursday, 10/6, 4:30 p.m.

2011-09-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Christina Sahovey

2011-09-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

We're excited to continue our Graduate Assistant Spotlight series here on our blog. You've already met Public History graduate student and assistant Regina Brinza.

Next up? Meet Christina Sahovey, a graduate student and graduate assistant in the Historical Studies Program.

THE BASICS:

Undergraduate Institution:
Chatham University

Undergraduate Major:
History, with a concentration in US History.

Hometown:
I'm from Pittsburgh originally (Squirrel Hill, to bespecific)

THE NITTY GRITTY:

Favorite Movie:
Almost Famous

Favorite Historical Period:
Twentieth century, particularly the1960s

Extracurricular Activities in College:
I worked in the library,volunteered at Alumni Reunion Weekend, and served on the Senior Gift Committee

Little Known Fact About You:
I used to play piano, guitar, andbass guitar, beginning when I was a young child. I still like to dabbleoccasionally on guitar and bass in my free time, just as a hobby.

What area of history are youfocusing on in your graduate career here at Duquesne University?
I'm hoping to hone in my studies to focus onAmerican urban history.

What are some of theresponsibilities you will have as a graduate assistant here in the department? Who are the faculty members you’ll be assisting?
I have been assigned to Dr. Mayer, Dr. Blatz, and Dr. Coohill(who is currently on sabbatical). So far for this semester, I will mainlybe helping Drs. Mayer and Blatz on research assignments.

How do you like Pittsburgh?
I like it here in my hometown. Pittsburgh is agood-sized city -- not too overwhelmingly big, but still large enough to havefun things to do. Plus I'm kind of fascinated by ethnicity in cities(which goes back to my interest in urban history), so I love that we still haveour ethnic enclaves throughout the city.

What are your plans (or yourdreams) for after you finish your M.A.?
Gosh, I haven't really thought that far in advance! Right now, I'mactually considering becoming an academic librarian, so I'll probably go for myMLIS degree fairly soon thereafter and hopefully work in a universitylibrary.

Whatis one of the things you’re most excited to experience here at Duquesne/inPittsburgh?
Coming from Chatham, atiny liberal arts college, I'm excited to experience life and academics in alarger university. I think I'll have some great opportunities to focusmore on my interest in urban history here at Duquesne.

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Julia A. Sienkewicz

2011-09-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

The History Department doesn't just deal with regular history--you know, dates and events and the like. It also houses the Art History Program, led by Dr. Madeline C. Archer. This year, we have the pleasure of welcoming a fantastic new faculty member to an already highly talented group of scholars.

Let us introduce you to Dr. Julia A. Sienkewicz, Assistant Professor of Art History, who comes to us from a previous teaching post at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama.

Dr. Sienkewicz in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

1. Why did you decide to become an art historian?

Interestingly, I did not really make my final decision about being a professional art historian until I was already enrolled at the University of Illinois and completing my Master's degree in Art History. I had always planned to subsequently pursue an M.Arch and go on to practice architecture, but at a certain point I realized that I was enjoying my work in art history too much to even consider doing anything else.

2. If you weren’t teaching art history, what would you be doing?

I guess I would probably be working in historic preservation (see my answer to question 1).

3. Is there some interesting information about Pittsburgh art that you’d like to share?

That's really a question to ask me again sometime in a year or two! For now, I will just reflect that driving by H. H. Richardson's "Allegheny County Courthouse" everyday on my commute to work is just about as special as it gets!

4. What one book would you recommend to every student of art history?

One book that I always look back to for inspiration when I think I've reached a dead end in my research is Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's "The Age of Homespun: Objects and Stories in the Creation of an American Myth". She really shows how much can be done with even the seemingly simplest of objects.

Dr. Sienkewicz with her two dogs, Artemis (in the background) and Redbone (in the foreground), during a visit to campus one day.

5. The classic dinner question—which artists (up to 5), living or deceased, would you have to dinner? And just as important—what is the main course?

That's actually a really easy one! Two of the artists that I work on--Horatio Greenough and Thomas Cole--were really good friends and I think that they jointly developed some of their key ideas about American art and architecture in person (and probably over dinner) while they were both living in Florence, Italy. So, I would have to invite the two of them. To round out the dinner party, I might also invite their good friends Samuel F. B. Morse and James Fenimore Cooper (who were also in Florence at around the same time and also believed in the importance of developing an American art).As to what we would eat, I guess that in honor of Florence, my vote would have to be for Ribollita (one of my favorite Tuscan dishes, which is a hearty soup made with bread and veggies). The dessert of vin santo and cantucci (almond biscotti) would be the real key to get them talking, though. Of course, this is only the first and final courses of a true Italian meal, but I would have to think on the rest of the menu!

6. Does art history repeat itself?

Certainly many themes, concerns, and interests of artists repeat themselves. Also, many artists find inspiration in the work of their predecessors. That said, though, no, I really think that all works are historically, culturally, and socially grounded in ways that make them uniquely fascinating from their predecessors.

7. What historical location and during what time period would you have liked to live?

Being a woman and somewhat of a feminist, I am really grateful to live in the here and now, as well as in the United States. For the convenience of my research, though, there would be a lot to be said for being around in the 1830s in Washington, D.C. and/or Florence, Italy!

8. What is your favorite historical era or moment?

It is probably already clear from my answers thus far, but I am really fascinated by the complexities of the United States (and really of transatlantic culture) between about 1790 and 1850.

9. What is the most significant historical moment you have known in your lifetime?

There have been many important ones. I guess like most people in the United States today, though, I would have to answer 9/11. As a scholar interested in the history and stakes of American democracy, I think that one day changed many things more than any other single event.

10. If you could teach any course on art history, what would the course be? Or do you already get to teach that course?

I am working on a number of course concepts right now--stay tuned for a few new additions to the course catalog! The truth is that even the basic surveys of art history can be a treat to teach, because I just really enjoy the opportunity to introduce students to the exciting discipline of art history, which is something so few students get the opportunity to study in high school. Probably my dream course, which I hope to experiment with at Duquesne sometime soon, would be "Democracy and Material Culture," in which we would study the art of the United States between, roughly, 1790 and 1850. We would study paintings, prints, buildings, sculptures and landscapes (in other words, the complete impact of the material environment) in order to identify what connections exist between the art produced in this period and the rhetoric of nationalism put forward by artists and social theorists alike in this period.

Thanks, Dr. Sienkewicz, for telling us a little bit more about yourself! And readers, you can check out Dr. Sienkewicz's faculty page on our department website. Finally, if you'd like to learn more about some of our other faculty members, check out our previous Faculty Spotlight posts!

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Regina Brinza

2011-09-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

And each year, we like to highlight those graduate assistants on our blog. To start off the 2011-2012 academic year, we would like to introduce you to Regina Brinza, a graduate student in the Public History Program.

THE BASICS:

Undergraduate Institution:
Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA

Undergraduate Major:
History, with minors in Public History and Sociology

Hometown:
Greensburg, PA

THE NITTY GRITTY:

Favorite Movie:
Out of the more serious genres, I'd pick V for Vendetta or The Truman Show. As for comedies, The Producers and The Ladykillers are high on my list.

Favorite Historical Period:
Late 19th and early 20th century U.S. - industrialization is fascinating.

Extracurricular Activities in College:
I was president of Saint Vincent's chapter of Phi Alpha Theta. I also volunteered at the Westmoreland County Historical Society and sang in one of the college choirs. My work-study positions were in Financial Aid, the History Department, and a small museum on campus called the Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery, which exhibits woven blankets and textile processing tools.

Little Known Fact About You:

I recently joined a pinball league, which I found to be surprisingly addictive and challenging.

What area of history are you focusing on in your graduate career here at Duquesne University?

Standardization is a major theme in the industrialization of the U.S., so I'd like to explore the general public's increased access to information as enabled by rail travel, wired communications, and mass consumption of print catalogs and magazines. I'm on the Public History track and will take the professional courses for archival and museum studies.

What are some of the responsibilities you will have as a graduate assistant here in the department? Who are the faculty members you’ll be assisting?

I'll be assisting Drs. Jay Dwyer and Jay Li in bibliographical research, finding relevant research grants, and other various tasks that may come up as the semester progresses and as they work on writing projects.

How do you like Pittsburgh?

It's even better than I expected. Navigation of these unpredictable Pittsburgh roads isn't so bad. Plus, there have been festivals and other events in the city every weekend. Even though it's no major metropolis, the city and surrounding area has more museums, restaurants, bars, parks, and other places to go than a person could visit in two years.

What are your plans (or your dreams) for after you finish your M.A.?

Although cultural institutions are taking a hard hit in this economy, I hope to be working in collections at a museum in the Northeast (or perhaps the Midwest). It might also be rewarding to work for the National Park Service.

What is one of the things you’re most excited to experience here at Duquesne/in Pittsburgh? I can't wait to start an internship, because all of my experience so far has been at small institutions. It will be interesting to see whether or not I prefer the atmosphere at a larger one. Plus, I'd like to continue whittling down my gargantuan "to-visit" list of Pittsburgh attractions.

Tony Horwitz's NCPH Plenary

2011-09-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Check out Tony Horwitz's keynote presentation at the National Council on Public History (NCPH) Annual Meeting. His talk raises intriguing questions, especially for those in the field of Public History.

9/11 Anniversary Panel Discussion

2011-08-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

Join the Political Science Department as they present an important panel discussion on one of the most defining moments in our nation's history.

Panel Discussion: The War on Terror After 10 Years

Thursday, September 8, 4:30 p.m.
Laura Falk Lecture Hall, Mellon Hall
Free Admission
Download a shareable PDF flyer of the event!

The Department of Political Science and Pi Sigma Alpha will host a panel discussion of the political and security ramifications of 9/11. Participants: Dr. Clifford Bob, Dr. Pat Dunham, Dr. Mark Haas and Dr. Daniel Lieberfeld.

For more information, call 412.396.6485.

Fall Semester Service Project

2011-08-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here at Duquesne, we take service to others seriously. And the Department of History makes sure to be a part of that commitment. Each year, we participate in the Office of Multicultural Affairs Turkey Drive, where our students and faculty are extremely generous in donating their resources to ensure that struggling families are given a Thanksgiving meal to share with their loved ones. We are forever proud of the way our department steps up and gives each year.

But we want to do more.

Recently, we came across this amazing Pittsburgh-based project from Genre’s Kids With Cancer Fund called To Go Bags. Basically, you donate specific items that can be put into bags and then given to the parents of children who have been diagnosed with cancer and admitted to Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital. These To Go Bags provide things for parents who spend long days and nights in the hospital with their sick children. Here’s a little blurb from Genre’s mom about how helpful these bags are:

“The day after Genre was diagnosed with leukemia, a dear friend of mine gave me what she called a ‘to go bag.’ In that bag was everything that I would need during a hospitalization. She said that I should leave the bag packed and when Genre wasn’t feeling well and we needed to get to the hospital I could just grab that bag and go. Little did I know on that day that I would use that bag more than 50 times in 8 months.”

We're asking you to please consider donating an item for these To Go Bags. You can simply bring the item to the main History Department Office and we will make sure the items get to where they need to go. Next time you’re at Target or Giant Eagle, can you pick up an extra tube of toothpaste? A hair brush? Some deodorant? These items we use and take for granted every day can make a world of difference to parents while they devote their time, focus, and energy to their sick children. Please check out the To Go Bags website to see the specific item requests (and restrictions).

Easy peasy.

We will be collecting items until Friday, Sept. 30, 2011. That gives us one month to make a difference.

We know we can do it.

THANK YOU!

A New Year!

2011-08-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

We're officially in the first week of classes here at Duquesne, and things are already bustling along. Professors are busy making copies of syllabi, printing out rosters, and getting students sorted. Our graduate students are busy reading hundreds of pages for their next class meeting. And our graduate assistants are already working on projects for their assigned faculty members. And it's only Day Three!

We have some exciting things planned for our department this year, and we hope you'll take advantage of them! First up is our annual History Forum:

Learn more here!

As you get settled in this semester, feel free to stop on by the office in 603 College Hall to say hello. We love visitors! And, we almost always have delicious treats to lure you in. Right now, we've got personalized M&Ms:

{We really are the most fun department on campus.}

Have a wonderful semester and check back here often for exciting information! And be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

The End of the Year

2011-05-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! We finally made it through another year! Hooray!

Final exams finished up yesterday, and for all of our students--whether they are graduating or not--a well-deserved congratulations is in order. They've worked hard, they've sacrificed, they've powered through. For that, we commend them, we honor them, and we celebrate their success!

To those who will be graduating, CONGRATULATIONS! We are so incredibly proud of you and excited for the future that lies ahead for you! It has been an honor to have you as a part of our department family. We can't wait to see you walk across the stage at Saturday's Diploma Ceremony!

Have a wonderful summer, everyone!

{images from here}

Women's History Month Event: Trinh Minh-Ha

2011-03-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

International Women's Day

2011-03-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

Did you know that today, March 8th, is International Women's Day? With March being Women's History Month, it seems only fitting that today's holiday would fall where it does.

So what is International Women's Day? To learn more about this celebration, now in its 100th year, visit the International Women's Day website.

And to get some more inspiration on this special day, take a look at the videos below which highlight some of the incredible achievements of and contributions by women to our world.

Meet Madame CJ Walker (1:49)

(source)

Women of Science (1:19)

(source)

Women of War (1:38)

(source)

Guest Blogger! Kelly Anderson, Graduate Assistant

2011-03-07T07:32:00.000-08:00

When thinking about attending graduate school, prospective students find themselves asking all sorts of questions. What will it be like? How much will it cost? What's the workload consist of? Can I get an assistantship? It can be an overwhelming experience, that's for sure. But never fear: we're here to help.

In an effort to help our readers (many of whom are prospective students) learn a bit more about what the life of a graduate student is like, we're starting a guest blogger series, featuring none other than our very own graduate students.

First up is Kelly Anderson, a graduate assistant in the Public History program. Kelly will be graduating this May (congrats, Kelly!), but not without leaving some valuable words of wisdom about her experience. You can learn more about Kelly by reading the profile we posted about her last year.

Public History Graduate Assistant Kelly Anderson in an American Bantam as part of her internship at the Frick Art and Historical Center

At a round table discussion in the summer of 2010, a student in the Historical Editing course asked a program alumna what she found to be the most beneficial part of Duquesne’s Archival, Museum, and Editing curriculum: internships, she replied, and her fellow alumnae concurred. Only a few months away from being counted among the alumni body myself, I find that I whole-heartedly agree with this sentiment. The experience students can gain from their internships in either the museum, archival, or editing fields will be the most educational and important of their time at Duquesne.
My internships at the Heinz History Center and the Frick Art and Historical Center have given me two vastly different but equally valuable experiences. On my first day in the History Center’s Publications Department this past fall, I thought that reading articles and drafts of Western Pennsylvania History would be the full extent of my work there. However, when the internship was finished in early December, I had helped shape future issues by critiquing a variety of stories and features, and was even given the chance to co-author an article about a Pittsburgh man who had commanded a unit of Buffalo Soldiers during the Indian Wars. Not quite what I’d expected! Nor did I expect to be sitting in an electric blue, 1940s era American Bantam, steering it up a steep incline as curators and art handlers at the Frick pushed it into the Car and Carriage Museum’s exhibit gallery during the spring semester. A construction project to repair the snow-damaged gallery roof had forced the museum staff to move the cars on display into a safer location while the work was conducted. The construction project now finished, we brought each car back up again, and I jumped behind the wheel of the Bantam and later a canvas-top Peugeot to help the effort.
Not exactly your typical day at the office, one might think, but each of my fellow Duquesne students has unique stories to tell concerning their own internships. Perhaps then, co-authoring a magazine article and “driving” antique cars isn’t all that unusual for museum professionals. That’s what makes Duquesne’s internships so crucial to the public history program. Of course internships involve lots of non-glamorous work as well. I’ve searched the History Center Library and Archives for article illustrations, poured over magazine footnotes for the tiniest of typos, taken temperature and relative humidity readings at the Car and Carriage Museum, and polished Plexiglas display cases to a high shine at the Frick Art Museum. It would be impossible to be a true museum professional without understanding the smallest tasks requiring attention at most institutions. It would also be difficult to excel at one’s career without also being able to take on the more unusual jobs, no matter how unexpected or difficult they are. Duquesne is fortunate that the institutions which sponsor their student internships allow those students so much flexibility and provide them with a wide-range of practical experiences.
It is up to the students, however, to make the most of their time at their particular institution. I have no doubt that all of us have coasted through a few undergraduate courses, having done just that myself (who is ever going to need to know the history of Spain, I figured). However, graduate-level courses, especially the professional classes and internships, are the things that truly prepare us for our future careers. Now is not the time to merely get by, no matter how unglamorous our work might be. It’s the time to jump in with both feet, volunteer for every mundane and odd job, and ask a million questions. If we have to put in at least 125 hours anyhow, we should make each one of them count. And if we happen to get a bit bored with entering climate data into a spreadsheet, we can remember that we’re doing what we love—museum work. We get to walk through the door marked “Private: Staff Only,” look at beautiful artifacts in our own office, and discover fascinating documents in a dusty archival box. Who knows, we may even help a patron get excited about history through our efforts. It is undeniable that public history internships are the most vital part of the Duquesne program, and I highly encourage students to challenge themselves in their work.

Dr. Joseph Rishel & the Morning Mix--this Friday!

2011-02-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

Dr. Joseph Rishel

We weren't kidding when we said that we have some pretty amazing scholars in our department. Dr. Rishel is no exception. A master of Pittsburgh's history (as well as all things American history), he's also one of the most down-to-earth, knowledgeable, and all-around swell guys we know.

He's also actively involved in the community. This Friday, February 25, 2011, Dr. Rishel will be speaking at Tom Baker's Morning Mix, which educates and inspires individuals in Western PA while also serving as a useful monthly networking resource. Hosted by Tom Baker and Vivian Lee Croft (a Duquesne University graduate and former student aide here in the History Department), the Pittsburgh Morning Mix is an opportunity to learn from visionary leaders who will speak about their experiences within the business, non-profit, government, and educational sectors.

Vivian Croft and Tom Baker

Friday's Morning Mix
Date: Friday, February 25, 2011
Location: Panera Bread, 3401 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (directions)
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Schedule:
8:30 a.m. Open networking
8:45 a.m. Introductions
9:00 a.m. Featured speaker (Dr. Rishel!)
9:30 a.m. Wrap up

If you are interested in getting connected to other civic leaders while also learning valuable lessons about success and service, the Pittsburgh Morning Mix will be a great fit for you. The Pittsburgh Morning Mix is coordinated by Get Involved!, Inc. and Baker Leadership and held monthly at Panera Bread on Blvd. of the Allies.

The next Morning Mix will be held on Friday, March 23, 2011, and will feature Chaz Kellem, Manager of Diversity Initiatives with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Joe Coohill

2011-02-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

Trust us when we say we have a department full of some of the most fascinating (and funny) scholars around. Meet Dr. Joe Coohill, our next ~~victim~~ participant in our Faculty Spotlight Series. He's no exception. His answer to question #7 will give you a chuckle.

(And if you're just joining us, check out the previous Faculty Spotlight posts on Dr. Matthew Hyland, Dr. Michael Cahall, Dr. Joseph Rishel, and Dr. Jing "Jay" Li.)

1. What is your favorite historical era or moment?

The United Kingdom (Britain and Ireland) in the 1830s and 1840s. The "Age of Reform." Endlessly deep and fascinating. Almost every aspect of government's relations to the human condition was debated in depth during this highly-compressed period: political rights, workers' rights, the rights of women and children, economic rights, and on and on. Things get much less interesting in the 1850s.

2. If you weren't teaching history, what would you be doing?

I would be in politics, law, or journalism.

3. What is your favorite piece or event of Pittsburgh history?

The Pirates winning the 1971 World Series.

4. What one book would you recommend to every student of history?

There are too many to list.

5. The classic dinner question - what historical figures (up to 5) would you have to dinner? and just as important - what is the main course?

Charles Barry (British architect), Augustus Welby Pugin (British architect), Lord Duncannon (British politician), Joseph Hume (British politician), and Sir George Hayter (British painter), all because I'm doing research on them now and could get some exclusive interviews and ask them to save all their letters solely for my research. Main course -- lamb with rosemary, roast potatoes, peas, claret and port.

6. Does history really repeat itself?

No.

7. What historical location and during what time period would you have liked to lived?

I would like to have lived in Madrid in December 1863, so that I could strangle the infant George Santayana in his crib. Then he would never have grown up to say, "those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (often misquoted in various ways -- "those who do not learn from history,...", etc). And humanity would never be plagued by what has become a threadbare and meaningless cliche.

8. Who/what leader had the coolest historical costume?

Spartacus.

9. What is the most significant historical moment you have known in your lifetime?

The fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of Eastern European/Soviet socialism.

10. Do you have a favorite historical quote or reference?

No.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Jing "Jay" Li

2011-02-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

We continue with our Faculty Spotlight series by highlighting Dr. Jing "Jay" Li. Dr. Li joined the Duquesne University Department of History in 2002. We're thrilled to announce that his first book, China's America: The Chinese View the United States, 1900-2000, will be released next month by SUNY Press.

Continue reading to find out a little bit more about our very own Dr. Li!

1.What is your favorite historical era or moment?
In the Spring-Autumn era, which was 2,500 years before our time, Confucius travelled around China with his students, in horse-drawn carts, trying to convince kings and princes to take up his philosophy. Few listened to him and even fewer acted on his advice, but the traveling, with the master talking and complaining, should be fun.

2. If you weren’t teaching history, what would you be doing?
Slowly but surely becoming a tiny little piece of history all the same.

3. What is your favorite piece or event of Pittsburgh history?
When the two formed and converged here. It’s actually prehistory, but that’s what made the existence of Pittsburgh possible in the first place.

4. What one book would you recommend to every student of history?
Science and Civilization in China. Head-authored by the famed Joseph Needham, there are 27 volumes of the book in existence currently, with more to come. I looked at them and marveled.

Alternatively, one may try 1066 and All That: A Memorable History of England, comprising all the parts you can remember, including 103 Good Things, 5 Bad Kings and 2 Genuine Dates.

5. The classic dinner question—what historical figures (up to 5) would you have to dinner? And just as important—what is the main course?
Mao, Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, Hitler, Gandhi (I know, that’s six – I can be an observer).

As for the main course, the guests must work it out among themselves. Otherwise, no one gets to eat.

6. Does history really repeat itself?
Yes and no. True, you can’t exactly step into the same river twice, but the river is there.

7. What historical location and during what time period would you have liked to live?
Would like to time-travel through all of them. Hang around and observe Tolstoy writing his War and Peace.

8. Who/what leader had the coolest historical costume?
Hard to beat Gandhi on this one. (“Beat” is probably the wrong word to use on the pacifist).

9. What is the most significant historical moment you have known in your lifetime?
I happened to be in Beijing in May and June 1989 when demonstrations at the Tiananmen Square took place.

10. Do you have a favorite historical quote or reference?
“Those who don’t know history will repeat history” – meaning students who failed their history courses must retake them.

It's Black History Month!

2011-02-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Learn more about the origins of this month-long celebration.

Video from History.com.

Belfast Boys!

2010-10-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

This Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Power Center Ballroom, join the Department of History for its annual History Forum Lecture. We're excited to bring in internationally renowned scholar Professor Richard Grayson from the University of London.

Professor Grayson's talk tells the fascinating story of men from either side of West Belfast’s sectarian divide during World War I. This dramatic lecture relates the experiences of the Belfast volunteers of the 36th and 16th divisions at the battle of the Somme and the battle of Messines, two of the bloodiest and most significant battles of the war. He also brings in forgotten West Belfast men from throughout the armed forces, from the retreat at Mons to the defeat of Germany and their lives after the war. In doing so, he tells a new story which challenges popular perceptions of the war, and explains why remembrance of the war remains so controversial in Belfast today.

For more information, visit www.duq.edu/historyforum.

Hope to see you there!

Film Screening and Discussion, Featuring Our Own Dr. Matthew Hyland

2010-10-07T11:30:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, October 14, 2010, at 6:30 p.m., WQED will be showing a free screening of Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian. A panel discussion will follow, and our very own Dr. Matthew Hyland will be on that panel.

This screening will take place at:

WQED Multimedia
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Seating is limited, so you must RSVP.

This film has not yet aired, but PBS plans to do so in November of 2010. Check local listings for dates and times.

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Michael Cahall

2010-09-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading our blog for a while now, you know that we like to spotlight our faculty members and graduate assistants. These individuals are integral to our department and our academic community.

They're also just plain cool.

Dr. Michael Cahal l, who used to be the Director of the Honors College, has finally re-joined the Department of History full-time. And we couldn't be happier! We think you should get to know him, too.

1.What is your favorite historical era or moment?

That’s kind of like choosing a favorite child; you’re “wrong” no matter what choice you make. I would probably choose the Gilded Age in America (1877-1917). When I taught Expansion and Reform I used to mention to the class that that course covered the shortest time span of all our graduate history survey courses, and it would have been possible, or even likely, that the period could have remembered the whole period within a single lifespan. That was the period when the United States became a “modern” nation and there was so much going on—good and bad—that it would be fascinating to observe it first-hand.

2. If you weren’t teaching history, what would you be doing?

(I assume you mean if I haven’t won the lottery or found another source of untold wealth. In which case, I’d be on a beach somewhere sipping pina coladas and wondering where I was going for dinner.) Really, I would probably be back in the museum field as a curator, working with historical artifacts and preparing exhibits. I loved doing that sort of history. Since I am fantasizing about this—it’d be the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. It really has some of the coolest stuff to “play” with!

3. What is your favorite piece or event of Pittsburgh history?

My favorite “piece” of Pittsburgh history is probably the urban “renaissance” of the 1950s and 1960s. I think we are tremendously lucky today that we had a group of leaders in the city then who looked for a way out of the steel era when that was beginning to decline. Other cities weren’t so fortunate. Some of that spirit is still in Pittsburgh and can be seen in the revitalization that is going on in the downtown area with the creation of a permanent live-in population there. There are a lot of “new” areas, like Market Square, that make the downtown a fun place to be. I appreciate living in a city that knows how to redefine itself in order to deal with new realities.

4. What one book would you recommend to every student of history?

I’d recommend Shelby Foote’s three-volume history of the American Civil War. It’s a massive work but exceedingly well researched and lovingly written. If you’ve seen Ken Burns’ film history of the war, you can’t have missed Foote as one of the major “talking heads” in the series. I can hear his voice telling me the story as I read along. Anything by David McCullough has the same effect for me.

5. The classic dinner question—what historical figures (up to 5) would you have to dinner? And just as important—what is the main course?

First, the meal because it’s the most important, right? I make a “killer” peppercorn steak with balsamic vinegar reduction (just ask my wife!). Prepared with excellent meat, it’d be a hit. It’d be accompanied by twice-baked potatoes, fresh asparagus, and my favorite buttermilk biscuits that my wife makes. There’d be something chocolate for dessert. Finally, we’d have a nice red wine to finish it off.

The five people (in no particular order) would be (1) Abraham Lincoln (I’d really love to know what his voice sounded like because some historians think it was high pitched. I’d also want to see his “mind” work.); (2) James Madison because I would like to know what the Founding Fathers really did originally intend when they wrote the U.S. Constitution; (3) Benjamin Franklin because I think he’d be a great dinner conversationalist; (4) Rachel Carson so she could give us her views on the current environmental issues facing the United States and the world; and (5) Madeline Albright to talk about the world scene today.

6. Does history really repeat itself?

No, I don’t believe history “repeats” itself. But I do think that ideas, circumstances, and events today have a strong resemblance to those of the past. We can learn a lot from how people reacted and dealt with them, both positively and negatively, in the past.

7. What historical location and during what time period would you have liked to live?

I think I would have liked to live in Philadelphia in 1876. The Centennial Exposition would have been amazing--to see all the “new” machinery and manufactures created for the exhibition. (Of course I would invest in Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone and Thomas Alva Edison’s gramophone—both exhibited at the exposition—and become “filthy rich.” See question Number 2!)

8. Who/what leader had the coolest historical costume?

I think Erik the Red or Leif Ericson probably had the coolest historical costume. Hey—animal skins, swords, spears and horned helmets! How can you go wrong? (OK. I know the Vikings very likely didn’t wear horned helmets, but it’s become an icon, right?)

9. What is the most significant historical moment you have known in your lifetime?

You’re making me admit my age. There were three that immediately came to mind: the assassination of John Kennedy in 1963, the lunar landing in 1969, and 9/11 in 2001. Having to choose one, I would probably select 9/11. I think it was a major turning point for the U.S. and continues to play into our national psyche. Many of the issues we are dealing with as a nation today were a direct result of or were strongly influenced by that experience.

10. Do you have a favorite historical quote or reference?

I had to think about this one; there are so many. I guess I would go with “Houston, Tranquility Base; the Eagle has landed.” Everyone who is my age can probably tell you exactly where they were when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. Having been a “child of the sixties” (and I do mean child!), I grew up with the American space program in all its glory. I think it, along with the American effort in World War II, is evidence of what we, as a nation, can do when we are united and dedicated to a seemingly impossible goal. I wish we had leaders who could issue such challenges to us today and lead us, like John Kennedy and Franklin Roosevelt did in their day, to face and solve some of the problems we face today.

Looking for Something to Do?

2010-09-24T09:07:00.001-07:00

(click photo to enlarge)

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Samantha Keenan

2010-09-21T12:52:00.001-07:00

We continue with our graduate assistant spotlights for this semester. You've already met Annalise and Ted. Next up, meet Samantha Keenan, a graduate student in the Public History Program!

THE BASICS:

Undergraduate Institution:
Whitworth University, Spokane, WA

Undergraduate Major:
Double major in History and English Literature

Hometown:
Spokane Valley, WA

Favorite Movie:
I love British miniseries—my favorite is probably Foyle’s War.

Favorite Historical Period:
First half of the twentieth century in America, particularly the 1930s.

Extracurricular Activities in College:
In addition to academic memberships like Phi Alpha Theta, I enjoyed being involved in campus and community ministry and social justice groups, volunteering at the Spokane Civic Theatre, going on a mission trip to Mexico and being secretary for the English department club. Two highlights of my college experience were spending a semester studying in Britain and Ireland and a year and a half working and interning at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.

Little Known Fact About You:
One of my favorite places to spend time with family and friends is at the lake cabin my grandpa built in 1960 on Coeur d’Alene Lake in Idaho.

THE NITTY GRITTY:

What area of history are you focusing on in your graduate career here at Duquesne University?
I want to become equipped for many types of positions and responsibilities in the museum world during my time at Duquesne. I am looking forward to gaining a range of practical skills in various areas in the field of Public History, while continuing to study American history, historiography and the challenges that arise in presenting history for the public.

What are some of the responsibilities you will have as a graduate assistant here in the department? Who are the faculty members you’ll be assisting?
I will be a graduate assistant for Dr. Archer and Dr. Stonge. My responsibilities will include grading objective exams, being available to cover class times periodically, grade recording and possibly some other duties that come up along the way.

How do you like Pittsburgh?
Well, I have been here for a few weeks now and really like what I’ve seen. People have been so friendly and helpful, especially as I am trying to figure out the public transportation system! I have enjoyed exploring the different neighborhoods and love looking at all the architecture. I have found a great church and cycling group and am looking forward to immersing myself more into the way of life in Pittsburgh.

What are your plans (or your dreams) for after you finish your M.A.?
I would like to be a history curator in a regional museum somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, maybe in Portland or Seattle. Someday I would like to get my PhD and possibly teach some classes in addition to museum work.

What is one of the things you’re most excited to experience here at Duquesne/in Pittsburgh?
I have lived my whole life on the West Coast and am excited to experience the culture and learn more about the history of a different part of the country.

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Matthew Hyland

2010-09-17T07:01:00.001-07:00

The History Department is full of interesting and diverse lovers of History. We are so proud of those who teach in this Department and given that we have the privilege of knowing them so well, we think you should, too. This time, we have chosen to spotlight Dr. Matthew Hyland. Dr. Hyland joined the History Department last year, and we're so very glad to have him with us.

1. What is your favorite historical era or moment?
The Early American Republic--a time of new beginnings, unfinished business, and new problems. What's not to like?

2. If you weren’t teaching history, what would you be doing?
I'd be measuring, drawing, and researching historic buildings anywhere in the United States of America.

3. What is your favorite piece of or moment in Pittsburgh history?
Fort Duquesne/Fort Pitt, then and now.

4. What book would you recommend every person read?
Ralph Ketcham, The Madisons at Montpelier: Reflections on the Founding Couple (University Press of Virginia). It's about Madison and his house; need I say more?

5. The classic dinner question: what 5 figures from history would you like to have dinner with, and, just as important, what is the main course?
George Mason, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Marshall, and Alexander Hamilton. I'd like to sit down with them to a Virginia-style barbeque dinner and listen to the arguments.

6. During what historical period would you have liked to live, other than the present?
Again, the Early American Republic, especially for watching the USA defeat Great Britain in war for a second time. Good times.

7. What leader from history had the coolest historical costume?
I love James Madison's small clothes, but hats off to Kemal Attaturk's super fez.

8. What is the most significant historical moment you have experienced in your lifetime?
Electing L. Douglas Wilder as governor of Virginia, the first African American governor in the USA in 1989.

9. What has been your favorite thing about teaching/being on faculty at Duquesne University?
The collegiality of the history faculty comes to mind first, but I am also quite pleased with the many water fountains on each floor of College Hall. I don't go 'round thirsty.

10. Do you have a favorite quote? It doesn’t have to be about history:
Yes it does. "Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives," James Madison.

We're More than Just History

2010-09-08T12:15:00.001-07:00

The History Department is filled with people who do more than just study history or help the department run smoothly. Our own Administrative Assistant, Laura Miller, was chosen recently as a Hometown Hero for the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, the most elite fighter jet squadron in the nation.

Her award?

She got to fly in an F16.

In July of 2009, Laura started a project called The Secret Agent L Project, which focuses on anonymous acts of kindness. She started out as an anonymous agent of kindness, leaving little gifts for unsuspecting people to find all over Pittsburgh. She eventually recruited over 80 Affiliated Agents all around the world who participated in the project by completing their own missions of kindness and emailing their photos and narratives to Laura for her to post on her website.
After a year of anonymity, Laura decided to reveal her identity to help further her cause. She hosted a fundraiser and reveal party in late July of this year, raising more than $1,500 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Once her identity went public, the media went crazy. She was approached by Pittsburgh's local ABC affiliate, WTAE-TV, CNN, the Huffington Post, and FOX, along with smaller media outlets, websites, and blogs.

Roughly a month ago, she received a phone call from the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh and was told she had been nominated for the USAF Thunderbirds Hometown Hero award. If she was chosen, she'd get to fly in an F16.

She received the confirmation call last week.

On Tuesday, Sept. 7, Laura suited up and hopped in to an $80 million Lockheed Martin F16D Fighting Falcon. Her pilot, Lt. Col. Derek "Tazz" Routt, gave her the ride of her life.

The plan was to do stunts including barrel rolls, inversions, and pull some serious Gs. And, just for kicks, "Tazz" would take the plane straight up to 18,000 feet at 750 mph.

During Laura's medical pre-flight briefing, her flight surgeon indicated that people who are tall and thin (the same build as Laura) have a more difficult time managing strong G forces. "I just want to warn you," he said, "that you're going to have a pretty rough time up there."

He was right. While the barrel roll and inversions weren't a problem for Laura, the intense G forces were.

"I couldn't stop throwing up," she admits. "That much force on my little body was just too much. And because of that, we had to cut the flight short, as well as nix the stunts. But I did manage to pull almost 7 Gs."

Her return to the ground was smooth, and she received quite the welcome by the entire Thunderbirds Team.

And she also kissed the ground. Rightfully so!

"Tazz" gave a heartfelt speech thanking Laura for her service to others before self and congratulated her for having the courage to get in an F16 with him.

She was presented with a VIP Thunderbirds Flight Certificate.

And she also received a beautiful framed print of the Thunderbirds flying over Chicago's Wrigley Field. All the members of the Thunderbirds signed it as well.

"It was an absolutely amazing experience," Laura said. "I will never, ever forget it...even though I did throw up for most of it!"

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Edward "Ted" Schwab

2010-09-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Each fall, the History Department awards graduate assistantship positions to outstanding students, providing them with full tuition, a modest stipend, and the opportunity to engage in research and other scholarly opportunities under the supervision of two to three faculty members.

Last week, we highlighted Annalise Policicchio. Now let us introduce you to Ted Schwab, a graduate student in the Public History Program.

The Basics:

Undergraduate Institution:
The Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus

Undergraduate Major:
Medieval Studies, with a minor in History

Hometown:
Coatesville, PA (somewhat near Philadelphia)

Favorite Movie:
Although Lord of the Rings is certainly a strong contender, it would have to be Braveheart or Knights of the Round Table (from 1953).

Favorite Historical Period:
Currently, I am really interested in the Jacobite period in Scotland. I have always been interested in Anglo-Celtic struggles for independence/dominance, and the early 18th century in Scotland is a fascinating time period.

Extracurricular Activities in College:
I was the treasurer of the Penn State Medieval Society and was very active with the Episcopal Campus Ministry. I also volunteered at the Special Collections Library.

Little Known Fact About You:
I watched Disney’s Mulan at least a million times. I even burned through my videotape because I paused the movie so much at really cool looking shots of the Huns, drawing them and wishing I could be a barbarian.

The Nitty Gritty:

What area of history are you focusing on in your graduate career here at Duquesne University?
The early United States, after the signing of the Constitution until the Reconstruction Era (1789-1868). I am particularly interested in the Irish and Scottish diaspora, the antebellum period, the Civil War, and the Texan revolution. I will be studying archival management and museum studies for the practical portion of my degree.

What are some of the responsibilities you will have as a graduate assistant here in the department? Who are the faculty members you’ll be assisting?
I will be assisting Dr. Elaine F. Parsons, and although she has not told me exactly what I will be doing yet, she has mentioned either a digital track or a teaching track.

How do you like Pittsburgh?
I really like Pittsburgh, and as I get to know the city better, I like it more and more. I really like the Frick Art Museum and Historical Center, and downtown is really nice. I enjoy actually living in a city, as there is so much more to do and things are often open later at night.

What are your plans (or your dreams) for after you finish your M.A.?
I would like to possibly work for the NARA, or maybe as a curator/archivist for a Texas historical society. I could also see myself working directly with people as an educator or a tour guide.

What is one of the things you’re most excited to experience here at Duquesne/in Pittsburgh?
I’m really excited to experience more of the cultural aspect of the city, like the art museums, public history institutions, and the street fairs. At Duquesne, I’m super excited for my internships. I’m really looking forward to getting truly involved with public history institutions and making the history I love so much come alive for people.

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Annalise Policicchio

2010-08-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

The Basics:

Undergraduate Institution: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Undergraduate Major: Secondary Education Social Studies Major; History Major; French Minor

Hometown: Johnstown, Pennsylvania, which is a little over two hours east of here.

Favorite Movie: Well, I tend to love many, many movies but I suppose that my favorite at the moment is Hotel Rwanda.

Favorite Historical Period: Considering that I can immerse myself in any historical era through the written word, it’s kind of hard to choose just one. However, Antebellum America to Post-Reconstruction America, including the American Civil War is probably my favorite historical era of all time.

Extracurricular Activities in College: I was a very busy bee at my undergraduate school, involved in multiple activities at once. I was an officer in Pitt-Johnstown History Club, Pitt-Johnstown Blue and Gold Society, and Sigma Alpha Pi; two years in each club. I was also a member of Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Kappa Pi, Phi Eta Sigma, Pitt-Johnstown Education Club, Phi Lambda Theta, French Conversation Table

Little Known Fact About You: A little known fact about me is that I collect snow globes.

The Nitty Gritty:

What area of history are you focusing on in your graduate career here at Duquesne University?

I’ve technically been categorized as an Early Americanist, but with a focus on Antebellum to Post-Reconstruction America. Considering that my senior thesis was on the Trent Affair, I love exploring the American Civil War and those little known events that actually had an impact. So, I guess my focus is on the American Civil War, before, during and after.

What are some of the responsibilities you will have as a graduate assistant here in the department? Who are the faculty members you’ll be assisting?

I will be working with Professors Vardy, Weiss and Rishel depending on what they need done; however, at the moment, Dr. Rishel is the one who I will be working with the most. I am not sure exactly what he will have me do, but I can guess that I may be grading papers, doing research or working in the office. We shall see.

How do you like Pittsburgh?

I really like it. I like the atmosphere and the multitudes of people are an interesting change from my small hometown. The neighborhood where I live is really nice; the tree-lined roads are nice. I’m looking forward to doing some more exploring and trying out the new restaurants in and around Pittsburgh.

What are your plans (or your dreams) for after you finish your M.A.?

I’m really not sure, but I hope to someday teach high school students. However, if I decide to go on to get my PhD, then I might be teaching college-level students. I’m not sure which career I’ll go with just yet.

What is one of the things you’re most excited to experience here at Duquesne/in Pittsburgh?

I’m excited to meet new people, learn new things and show that I belong here at Duquesne. I’m looking forward to learning more about history and those who played a major role in writing it.

First Day Back!

2010-08-23T08:35:00.001-07:00

Clio, the muse of History

Welcome back! It's hard to believe that summer is over and school is back in session. But here in the Department of History, we're excited and ready!

Some of the things we have planned for this semester include:

In September, an information session on careers in the field of History and graduate school
In October, the Annual History Forum
*This year's topic is The Belfast Boys: Uniting a Divided City During World War I
Two new classes: Western European Transformations, 1815-1990s with Dr. Bernard Weiss and Public History: Intro and Issues with Dr. Matthew Hyland

So, what do you have planned for this semester?

Getting Back into the Groove.

2010-08-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

The academic year is right around the corner--less than a week away, actually! It seems like only yesterday we were turning in grades for final exams and preparing for graduation.

Today the new freshmen class arrives on campus, ready to begin the next journey on their life's path. While we prepare for the start of another year, we'll be gathering all sorts of information to post here on our blog. We've enjoyed our summer hiatus, but it's time to get back into the groove and bring you all the exciting things that will happening in the Duquesne University History Department!

We'll begin our regular posting again next Monday, August 23, 2010. We look forward to your visit!

photo credit

The End of the Semester, the End of the Year.

2010-05-06T09:38:00.001-07:00

As the spring semester and academic year draw to a close, the History Department would like to congratulate its students on completing another successful year. The hours you spent studying, the countless revisions you made on your papers, the sacrifices you made in order to get that "A" or to finish that project. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. We are proud of you, and, more importantly, we hope that you're proud of yourself.

For those who will be graduating tomorrow, we hope that you will take what you've learned here at Duquesne--both in and out of the classroom--and use it and your unique talents to make this world a better place. We are so thrilled for you as you celebrate this significant milestone in your life.

Never forget who you are, where you've come from, and all that you've accomplished.

And don't ever forget how proud we are of each and every single one of you. It has been an honor to share this experience with you.

Congratulations!

(images courtesy of Quotable Cards)

Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society

2010-04-23T12:26:00.001-07:00

Today the History Department welcomed 15 new members into its Epsilon Phi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honors Society.

Students of History, some majors and some not, gathered together with faculty members and parents to celebrate their academic success in the field. Dr. Perry Blatz officiated the induction ceremony with the helpful (and entertaining) assistance of Dr. Jotham Parsons.

(Dr. Perry Blatz talks a bit about the history of Phi Alpha Theta.)

(Dr. Jotham Parsons reads from the ceremonial book.)

The induction ceremony includes a rubber snake, but due to the sacred and confidential nature of said ceremony, details cannot be shared here. But trust us: it was pretty funny.

(Dr. Perry Blatz informs the new inductees of the importance of the rubber snake.)

The new inductees took an oath...

...and received certificates indicating their new membership.

Also part of the induction ceremony is the signing of the Chapter's book. Signatures date back to May 26, 1956.

The History Department also honored two outstanding students with the Joseph R. Morice Award, which honors a graduating senior for outstanding academic achievement within the major of History specifically and over the course of study at Duquesne University generally. Dr. Joseph R. Morice was a professor of History at Duquesne between 1948-1990 who was renowned for popular classes and rigorous grading. The Department of History presents this award in remembrance of Professor Morice and to recognize students majoring in History who have maintained an exceptional scholastic record throughout their undergraduate academic careers.

(Dr. Blatz shows a departmental photo from the 1960s and points out Dr. Morice, who stands in the back row of the picture.)

(Dr. Blatz announces the first of the Morice Award recipients.)

This year's recipients were Brigid Mannard and Tyler Esno. Both students received a framed certificate and a monetary award.

At the conclusion of the induction ceremony and Morice Award presentations, guests mingled and enjoyed refreshments.

(Dr. Blatz introduces himself to the parents of some of the new Phi Alpha Theta members.)

(Dr. Elaine Parsons congratulates a student on her success.)

(Morice Award recipient and new inductee Tyler Esno chats with Dr. Matthew Hyland.)

(Cody Rizzo and Cristiana Popescu enjoy some refreshments.)

Samuel Morrow's father, an alumnus of the History Department, came to the induction ceremony to celebrate his son's achievements, as well as to share his own memories of Dr. Morice and other members of the History Department during his years as a student here. It was an honor to see two generations of History Department students share in such a special moment.

And, of course, several new inductees took a moment to pose for a friendly photograph with Dr. Perry Blatz:

We congratulate our new inductees and wish them all the success in the future!

Spring 2010 History Forum

2010-03-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Every year, the History Department hosts its annual History Forum, an event that attracts national and international scholars to address topics of current as well as historical and academic interest. The History Forum welcomes the general public to attend the public lectures and interact with the speakers and the Duquesne University community.

This year's History Forum brought Dr. Laura F. Edwards of Duke University:

Her lecture, titled, "Honey, I'm Going to See a Magistrate": Rethinking Women and Political Action in the 19th-Century South, refers to the hundreds of cases that directly involved women, white and black, in local courts in the slave South. The presentation focused on the relationship between women and governance and argued that women participated more actively in the slave South's public culture than we have realized.

The History Forum always includes a dinner with History Department faculty members and the guest speaker. This year, we went to Folino's on Pittsburgh's historic South Side:

When I asked this year's History Forum Director, Dr. Tsekani Browne, if he was ready for the evening's events, he responded with a smile:

This year's History Forum was held in the new Power Center's Ballroom. A crowd of almost 100 people showed up to listen to Edwards' presentation, all while enjoying a beautiful view of Downtown Pittsburgh:

Many students show up to the event each year, armed with pens and paper so that they can take notes. Even some of our faculty, already well-versed in historical topics, jot down key points, as seen here by department member Dr. Michael Cahall:

After Edwards' presentation, a question-and-answer session began. Students courageously raised their hands to ask questions, as did some of our very own faculty members, like Dr. Perry Blatz:

The question-and-answer session lasted approximately 40 minutes, with interesting conversations developing as a result.

Afterwards, a public reception was held in the adjoining Fides Shepperdson Suite:

On-campus catering by Aramark is always a hit, with delicious fresh fruit and vegetables, thirst-quenching beverages, delectable pastries, and savory hors d'ouerves.

It was only a matter of minutes before a line formed at the table:

The public reception is a wonderful opportunity for students and faculty members to interact in a non-classroom setting, often resulting in jokes and laughter. Dr. Joseph Rishel and Dr. Perry Blatz are well-known around the department for their friendly banter:

Graduate students talk and laugh with professors:

And graduate students Jenna Lusk (Historical Studies Program) and Renee Morgan (Public History Program), take a moment to smile for the camera:

The History Forum is always well-attended by graduate students. Here, a group gathers together for a photo opportunity:

Our guest speaker, Dr. Laura Edwards, engages in conversation while relaxing at the post-lecture reception:

At the end of the evening, 2010 History Forum Director, Dr. Tsekani Browne, poses for a picture with Distinguished University Professor, Dr. Steven B. Vardy, and his wife Agnes:

This year's History Forum was a success!

Be sure to join us in October for our next History Forum, directed by Dr. Joseph Coohill and featuring international scholar Richard Grayson of Goldsmiths, University of London. Details and updates will be posted on the History Forum website.

History Abroad

2010-03-11T06:32:00.001-08:00

Many students recall studying abroad as some of their fondest memories and one of their smartest decisions made while in college. But for many students, an entire semester abroad isn't an option. Sometimes it's because of financial reasons, and sometimes it's because those students' academic programs are so rigorous that they don't allow for an entire semester away.

Enter HIST 250: History Abroad.

Every other summer, the History Department offers a 3-week summer study abroad course. In the Summer of 2009, Dr. Charles Wilf and Dr. Trevor Jones designed a trip that included countries such as Turkey, England, Poland, and Hungary. Two students who went on the trip, Nicole Ferrance and Victoria Burke, documented much of their experience. Ferrance and Burke, now graduate students in the School of Education, created as part of a course assignment an exhibit in Duquesne's Les Idees Art Gallery highlighting some of their memorable moments during HIST 250. The History Department's Administrative Assistant, Laura Miller, stopped by the gallery to snap a few shots of the exhibit. We share those images with you here.

Nicole Ferrance and Victoria Burke, outside of Schonnbrun Palace in Vienna, Austria

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Students visit the Single Mother's Home in Erd, Hungary

Students were required to journal about their experiences on the trip.

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A visit to Istanbul, Turkey's Grand Bazaar

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Visiting London's South Bank and posing for a
picture in front of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

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Students visited and experienced many emotions at Poland's Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp Memorial

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Students visited the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine in Krakow, Poland

We can't wait to see what the next HIST 250 trip will be like!

Grad Assistant Spotlight: Michelle Gutierrez

2010-02-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

Each fall, the History Department awards graduate assistantship positions to outstanding students, providing for them full tuition, a modest stipend, and the opportunity to engage in research and other scholarly activities under the supervision of a faculty member. Last week, we highlighted Kelly Anderson, a grad assistant in the Public History Program.

Now allow us to introduce you to Michelle Gutierrez, a grad assistant in the Historical Studies Program.

The Basics:

Undergraduate Institution:
Franciscan University of Steubenville

Undergraduate Major:
Double major in Humanities & Catholic Culture (one major) and History

Hometown:
Miami, Florida

Favorite Movie:
Defiance

Favorite Historical Period:
Late Middle Ages

Extracurricular Activities in College:
Spring break mission trips to Mexico and Honduras; Liturgy Committee; Totus Tuus Maria Household (Christian sorority)

Little Known Fact About Michelle:
She rented mopeds with a friend in Southern France and almost ran out of gas in the mountains!

The Nitty Gritty:

1. What do you think of your graduate experience so far?

Graduate school so far has definitely challenged me to a new level of academic work. As an undergrad I was always very busy, often taking 18 credits, working and involved in a number of extracurricular activities. So I thought that I'd be bored with only 3 classes in grad school. But I have to say that I have been far from bored! I have more time on my hands than I'm used to, but the workload and the expectations have changed as well. Instead of busy work and memorization of dates and facts, I'm being stretched to look at history from new perspectives and interpret the past on my own.

2. What area of history are you focusing on in your graduate work here at Duquesne?

I'm focusing on European history, primarily the late medieval and early modern eras. I love to study intellectual and social/cultural history. In my seminar class this semester I'm researching parish fraternities (or guilds) in late medieval London along the theme of community. I think the guilds are fascinating because they give us a little glimpse of what ordinary people cared about in another time and place.

3. What are some of the responsibilities you have as an graduate assistant here in the department?

As a grad assistant, I work for Dr. Mayer and Dr. Dwyer. My responsibilities vary from reading George Washington's letters for Dr. Mayer to researching Mexican environmental history for Dr. Dwyer. I also do less exciting work like grading homework, filing or reading through grants. Even though Dr. Dwyer is Rome this semester, he is still keeping me busy, so don't be surprised if you see me working in his office! Probably my favorite part about being a grad assistant is the opportunity to look behind the scenes at the job of a history professor and see what both the research AND the administrative work looks like.

4. What are your plans after the M.A. program?

I'm getting married this summer and after I finish my degree we're planning on moving somewhere warmer (like Florida or Texas!). I want to teach so I'm thinking about a PhD sometime in the future but I'm not sure where or when.

5. How do you like Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is a beautiful city, but I actually live in Steubenville, Ohio so that I can be near my fiance who works for our Alma Mater, Franciscan University. Even though I'm two states over, my commute is only about 45 minutes and I really do enjoy the drive(except when its snowing!) I love having an excuse to come into Pittsburgh at least three times a week. Even as an undergrad at Franciscan, I often took advantage of the great cultural events Pittsburgh has to offer, especially the salsa dancing! My fiance and I are foodies and love to try out different restaurants in Pittsburgh too. One of our favorites is Seviche, a Latin tapas restaraunt in downtown Pittsburgh.

6. What advice would you give to incoming graduate students?

I would advise any incoming graduate student to come to Duquesne with an open mind ready to be stretched and challenged in new and exciting ways.

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Kelly Anderson

2010-02-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Each fall, the History Department awards graduate assistantship positions to outstanding students, providing for them full tuition, a modest stipend, and the opportunity to engage in research and other scholarly activities under the supervision of a faculty member.

We will begin spotlighting our graduate assistants here on our blog, and to start things off, we would like to introduce you to Kelly Anderson, a graduate student in the Public History Program.

The Basics:

Undergraduate Institution:
Grove City College, Grove City, PA

Undergraduate Major:
History

Hometown:
Titusville, PA

Favorite Movie:
Philadelphia Story

Favorite Historical Period:
Pre-Roman Celtic Britain and Revolutionary War/Colonial America

Extracurricular Activities in College:
Phi Alpha Theta, cheerleading, Gamma Sigma Phi sorority, Grove City Historical Society, Titusville Branch Fellowship Church

Little Known Fact About Kelly:
Her family raises beef cows on what they like to call their "hobby farm."

The Nitty Gritty:

1. What do you think of your graduate experience so far?

My graduate experience has been very exciting so far. Not only is it interesting to learn from a different perspective, but my public history classes have been so fun and thought-provoking. I feel very much at home learning about museum and archival work, and I'm looking forward to putting that knowledge to use in my internships next year.

Learning the specifics about work in this field is something I've been looking forward to since high school, and I'm still as fascinated by this career as I was when I was 16.

2. What area of history are you focusing on in your graduate career here at Duquesne University?

My main area of focus here at Duquesne is to learn as much as possible about material culture and the nuts and bolts of public history. I want a broad base of knowledge that I can apply to a variety of museum positions and public history in general. This will serve, I hope, to give me a competitive edge in the job market and be a real asset to the museum I would like to one day work for. If possible, I would really enjoy doing a directed reading focused on jewelry - it's my favorite aspect of material culture!

3. What are some of the responsibilities you have as a graduate assistant here in the department? Can you tell us what you do for your faculty advisors?

As a graduate assistant, I do a variety of things for Dr. Browne and Dr. Blatz. Researching topics of interest in African American history is my main task for Dr. Browne, and I've been able to proctor an exam for one of his classes as well. Working for Dr. Blatz has entailed doing an inventory of 19th century council minutes and ordinance books at the City-County Building downtown. They have a number of old volumes from the early days of the city's incorporation, along with material from surrounding boroughs. Since last semester, I have inventoried their collection, and I'm now researching how unique these records are, along with putting together a finding aid. It would be great to someday make this material available to researchers.

4. How do you like Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has been a great city to live in. My apartment is up on Mount Washington, and the view of the city as I drive home at night never gets old. There's also been so many opportunities for my friends and I to explore the city, which has been so much fun. City life has been quite a change from living on a farm, but I have enjoyed the experience so far.

5. What are your plans after you finish your M.A.?

When I finish my degree, my goal is to find a job in museum collections in Pittsburgh or the surrounding area. Western Pennsylvania has always been my home, and I hope to stay around here for some time. And from the Frick to the many Carnegie institutions and so many more museums, this area has a lot to offer. I'm looking forward to putting all this school work to use!

6. What advice would you give to incoming graduate students?

To incoming graduate students, I would say that they should get involved in some type of public history work as soon as they can.

Whether it's through internships, volunteering, or a job, it's a great way to build up your resume, gain experience, and get focused on what you want to do (and don't want to do!) with your career after graduation. I've been very glad to have the chance to work on the City-County archives, and have learned a lot from the experience. I would also tell them that they should, without a doubt, get up early on a Saturday morning to have breakfast at DeLuca's in the Strip District - they don't lie when they say they serve the city's best breakfast!.

History Department Spotlight on Dr. Joseph Rishel

2010-02-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

1. What is your favorite historical era or moment?

The 1950s, because they were so exciting and, for the most part, so optimistic. They truly were central to the American Century.

2. If you weren't teaching history, what would you be doing?

Being in complete charge of a philanthropic foundation with an endowment of a billion dollars, or perhaps more.

3. What is your favorite piece or event of Pittsburgh history?

Cold War Pittsburgh including the communist scare, with characters such as Judge Musmanno, Matt Cvetic etc.

4. What one book would you recommend to every student of history?

I don't really have a single book that I would recommend. There are so many good ones out there.

5. The classic dinner question - what historical figures (up to 5) would you have to dinner? and just as important - what is the main course?

St. Thomas More, St Elizabeth Ann Seton, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill. For dinner: pheasant under glass, because I've always heard of it but I never had it, but I can't imagine the first two on my list enjoying it so hedonistically.

6. Does history really repeat itself?

This is an adaptation of the famous quote, "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it." It is from George Santayana who wrote it in 1905. Santayana was a poet and philosopher. I doubt that very many historians would say such a thing because no two conditions at different times in history are the same. Still, human nature remains the same and to that extent, and in a very limited way, it can be broadly true.

7. What historical location and during what time period would you have liked to lived?

It would be very interesting to go back in time to any number of places and dates, for example, Pittsburgh in 1860, when Lincoln visited the city and spoke. But seeing life as it existed in a Medieval town, or the Roman Forum, the Acropolis in Athens--both at the height of their glory--would be thrilling. But given their state of medical technology, my visit had better be a short one.

8. Who/what leader had the coolest historical costume?

Louis XIV of France especially as he was painted by Rigaud. His outfit is so incredible.

9. What is the most significant historical moment you have known in your lifetime?

There are two signifcant historical moments, both shocking: the assassination of President Kennedy, and the events of September 11, 2001.

10. Do you have a favorite historical quote or reference?

This is one I often use. I thought it was from Rochefoucauld, a 17th century French author. But in responding to this question, I can't find it in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations. That said, here's one of the famous quotes he may have never uttered nor written. "Things are never as good as or as bad as they seem."

So true, Dr. Rishel. Do you have a question for Dr. Rishel? Email him and get to know Dr. Rishel further by checking out his Department Page.

More Babies!

2010-01-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

Graduate assistant Bill McGovern and his wife just welcomed their second son into the world last week. And that means there's another member of the History Department family!

Welcome River Isaiah McGovern! Born Friday, January 22, 2010, at 9:27 p.m., weighing in at 9 lbs. 7 oz., and measuring 21 inches.

(Bill McGovern, big brother Kade, and River)

Bill reports that he and the whole family are all doing well.

Congratulations, Bill! We can't wait to meet River!

Dr. Dwyer arrives in Rome!

2010-01-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

(Dr. Jay Dwyer with daughters Stephanie and Jessica)

Earlier this month, Dr. Jay Dwyer and his family arrived in Rome, Italy, to begin his semester of teaching at Duquesne's Italian Campus.

(Jessica, Stephanie, and Alice Dwyer)

And what trip to Rome would be complete without gladiator outfits?

Jessica lunges at the camera to show off her fighting skills:

While Stephanie prefers a more "smiley" approach to battle:

"I wish Daddy would buy us more gladiator gear!"

Some of the local sights:

We're looking forward to sharing more of Dr. Dwyer's Adventures in Rome with you over the course of this semester. Stop back soon!

Getting Healthy

2009-12-09T07:34:00.001-08:00

Here in the History Department, we think physical health is integral to maintaining intellectual health. Work out your mind AND your body!

The Power Center offers a tremendous amount of Fitness and Wellness Programs to faculty, staff, and students. Here are just a few (click on each image to enlarge):

Now, go get healthy!

Teaching Them While They're Young

2009-12-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

We thought it important to share with you the first Public Service Announcement by one of our up-and-coming scholars: Dr. Elaine Parsons' daughter Charlotte. The topic? The Importance of Not Littering. And trust us, it's important.

Brilliance. Sheer brilliance. (And bless her cameraman, Dr. Jotham Parsons, for not taking her direction personally. Note her very serious "OFF!" at the end of the PSA. Watch out Scorsese.)

Babies, Babies, Everywhere!

2009-12-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

When babies come into the world, it seems that they come in droves. Former graduate students Brian and Melissa Yurochko recently introduced us to their beautiful new daughter, Emma. And now, long-time instructor Doug Penhallegon and his wife Mariame just brought their new son Alexandre into the world.

Congrats Doug and Mariame! He's beautiful!

Alexandre Thaddeus Momo Penhallegon

November 28, 2009

2:18 p.m.

7 lbs. 15 oz.

Magee Women's Hospital, Pittsburgh

The family: Big brother Harrison, Doug, Mariame, and little Alexandre

Welcome to the world, Baby Alexandre! We can't wait to meet you.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

2009-11-30T11:46:00.001-08:00

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us last week, we knew that there would be a rather slow and quiet vibe around the office. Many students left campus early, creating empty classrooms and hallways all around our building.

In order to be prepared, then, for the rush we'd experience once everyone returned from the long weekend (it being the last week of classes before finals begin), we thought we'd take the opportunity to dress up our office and hallway for the holidays.

This water fountain is at the very end of our long hallway, and we like to think that the Christmas lights just beckon everyone to come towards it to quench their thirst!

We also honor our friends, students, and colleagues who celebrate holidays other than Christmas:

We're in the process of getting Kwanzaa decorations, too!

Happy Holidays, everyone!