History in Focus

In this discussion, Thy Phu, a media studies expert, reflects on the impact of visuals on war narratives. David Biggs, an environmental historian, explores how perceptions of the Vietnam War have evolved over fifty years. Wen-Qing Ngoei highlights U.S. foreign relations with Southeast Asia in teaching the conflict. Jana Lipman shares insights on using personal stories to connect students with history. Together, they delve into innovative teaching methods, including AI and graphic memoirs, to engage new generations with complex narratives and personal identities.

Historian Lily Pearl Balloffet, who studies South-South connections between Latin America and the Middle East, shares her insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vital human relationships in historical research. She reflects on emotional bonds formed through history, the profound loss of a mentor, and navigating grief during the pandemic. Lily also emphasizes the transformative power of friendships in academia, while intertwining themes of nature, memory, and the impact of personal connections in shaping one's scholarly journey.

Katharina Matro, a high school history teacher specializing in U.S. History and AP World History, and Megan Porter, who teaches American Studies and Sociology, delve into the AHA 2025 K-16 Content Cohort. They discuss the importance of resilience in history education and how structured teaching approaches can foster meaningful dialogue amidst today's challenges. The conversation highlights collaborative workshops that integrate AI and emphasizes networking among educators for professional growth, ultimately enriching the teaching experience.

Jo Guldi, a Professor at Emory University and expert in text mining, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on digital history. She discusses the balance of traditional historiography with emerging technologies, emphasizing transparency and methodological rigor. Guldi shares her journey from traditional research to digital scholarship, critiquing historical data interpretations. With insights on the strengths of Python and R, she highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to unveil new narratives in history. It's a fascinating exploration of how algorithms reshape our understanding of the past.

The podcast features Katharina Matro, a high school history teacher with a PhD from Stanford, Jeff McClurken, a professor and chief of staff at the University of Mary Washington, and Kalani Craig, co-director at Indiana University. They dive into the role of AI in history education, exploring its potential and pitfalls, including the balance between tech and critical thinking. Discussions cover the importance of innovation in student writing, the challenges of digital archives, and the need for transparency in AI-generated data, highlighting a transformative shift in historical research and teaching.

Dive into the fascinating concept of resilience across various cultures. Hear about the inspiring recovery stories of the Wiyot Tribe in Northern California and the Kenyan Nubians facing unique challenges. Explore the historical journeys of migrant workers in Brazil, capturing their adaptability in tough times. The discussion emphasizes the power of storytelling, local support networks, and the importance of diverse historical narratives in shaping identities and understanding resilience in the face of adversity.

A conversation with AfriWetu host and creator Mona Nyambura Muchemi. We talk about the origins of AfriWetu, about her journey as a storyteller and student of African history, and about the state of popular understandings of African history across the continent.

In this second installment from our collaboration with African history podcast AfriWetu, Mona, with the help of guest narrator Nyaguthii, explores the North African legend of Dihya Al Kahina.

Introducing the latest entry in our podcast collaboration series: a terrific and thoughtful African history podcast called AfriWetu. In this episode, host and producer Mona Nyambura Muchemi explores the history of the East African Kingdom of Buganda with special emphasis on the women of Buganda’s society.

What story can be told of the American welfare state when you broaden the view beyond established government programs and official actors? We kick off season 3 with a conversation with historians Salonee Bhaman, Bobby Cervantes, and Salem Elzway on their AHR article “A New Welfare History.”