The professional study of history has---and should have---a robust life outside of the ivory tower. The H. Duane Hampton Public History Program prepares students to work in the vibrant, growing field of public history, which fundamentally seeks to make the past relevant and accessible to the wider public.

Public history is a dynamic field with few boundaries. It involves a wide range of pursuits in varied settings and through diverse mediums---historical museums and exhibitions; historical preservation and commemorative sites; interpretive planning and public storytelling; archives and special collections management; public policy analysis, records management, and litigation support; oral history, public memory, and educational outreach; websites and podcasting; digital history and documentary film production; local, regional, and tribal heritage associations. 

Our program prepares students to make history public in these arenas and beyond. Through dynamic and experiential courses, faculty immerse students in the theory, politics, and practice of public history. Internships at local, regional, and national public history settings provide hands-on preparation for future careers in the field. In-class and capstone projects challenge our students to make original contributions to public history while engaging local, regional, national, and potentially global publics.

Undergraduates completing this program earn an undergraduate Certificate in Public History. Graduate students completing this program earn a graduate-level Certificate in Public History.

Contact

To learn more about public history at UM, contact Professor Leif Fredrickson, Director of the Public History Program.

Supporting Public History

To support our program, please contribute to the Hampton Public History Fund. Thank you for helping us make history public!