MA Track in Public History: Welcome to the Public History Page!
 

What is Public History?
 Public History can be characterized as the many ways in which history is made and practiced in public forums. Now in its third decade as a field of study, public history offers students exciting career options that move the historian's traditional skills of researching, writing, and teaching beyond the classroom. Public historians most often work in one of four broad fields: museums, historic preservation and cultural resource management, libraries and archives, and digital and documentary media. In all of these areas, the mission of public historians is to document and interpret the past in collaboration with the public.

Why Study at American University?
The Department of History at American University has a deep commitment to public service. Many members of our faculty are public historians whose work blurs the lines between the academy and the public. American University also offers unique opportunities to study public history with professionals at some of the nation’s premier public institutions from the National Park Service and the National Trust to the Smithsonian Institution.

The History Department at American University acknowledges that public history is ultimately an interdisciplinary field, with connections to archeology, arts management, public policy, and media production, among others. We also understand that success in the field is built upon both traditional research skills as well as practical experience. With this in mind, the Department of History offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to shape the degree to best fit their interests. Our curriculum also fosters a balance between academic and professional experience and we encourage students to move outside the classroom through class projects, volunteer work, internships.

For More Information About AU's Public History Program browse the links above or contact: Professor Kathy Franz, Director, Public History at: publichistory@american.edu

Video: Experience Public History