Close up of a very old book, on word PREFACE

Department of History

By pushing the boundaries of the human story across time, space, cultures, and media, we reveal the interconnected narrative threads and patterns of our individual and collective lives.

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Recent News

Kevin Murphy looking into the camera with a serious expression in front of a brick building with vines

At the Heart of Change

Professor Kevin P. Murphy (history) brings a long history and passion for community-engaged work to his new role as faculty director for the Liberal Arts Engagement Hub.

Photo of Professor Jean O'Brien standing in front of a bookcase

Professor Jean M. O'Brien elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The AAAS honors those making preeminent contributions to their fields and the world. Members are leaders in the academic disciplines, the arts, business, and public affairs.

Paul Eaton standing in front of a white board

Paul Eaton: Becoming a Lifelong Learner

“I would never trade [those degrees] for anything,” says Paul Eaton, College of Liberal Arts alumni and UMN advocate. Eaton comments on how his CLA degrees have impacted his…

Ahmed Amin: Education As an Arena for Social Justice

“What are the educational spaces in our communities that should be leading [identity] work?” asks Ahmed Amin (BA '08, history and sociology of law, criminology & deviance)…

A group of people wearing coats and hats carry signs supporting striking teachers. Behind them is a truck with a banner that reads Living Wages for All Educators. A person stands in the back of the truck with a microphone.

Ask Us Anything About Unions

On Tues., Apr. 5 MPR host Angela Davis will talk with labor historian William Jones and a labor economist Aaron Sojourner about the history and work of unions.