History

Cincinnati Riverfront historical image and modern image

Welcome to the History Department at the University of Cincinnati where we strive for inclusive excellence in our teaching, writing, research, and community engagement. The faculty, staff and students in our department are committed to supporting racial justice and equity in our local community, state, country and in the world. Studying the past is vitally necessary to understanding the ongoing inequities in our society and societies throughout the world that we have seen magnified by the Covid-19 pandemic and by the more recent killing of unarmed African American men and women by law enforcement, as well as by ongoing acts of violence and bigotry against other racial and religious minorities in the U.S. It might be helpful and indeed necessary to share recent statements put forth by the American Historical Association (AHA) and the National Council on Public History (NCPH) focusing on the history of racist violence in the United States. These statements also include links to other resources that faculty and students alike might find instructive. Now more than ever, we need to understand the history of the present; and the history of the present is all about the past.

1

New hires reflect UC’s commitment to research, innovation and impact

November 6, 2025

With the 2025-26 school year in full swing, the College of Arts and Sciences has welcomed five faculty members to lead departments that span from chemistry to journalism. Dean James Mack said these new hires “reflect our unwavering commitment to ‘Discovery in Action,’ as we continue to enhance our academic and research excellence”. With these additions, the future of UC is in good hands, and students can look forward to new opportunities for learning, research, and innovation.

2

How Halloween took over October

October 31, 2025

University of Cincinnati history professor Janine Hartman was featured in the Dayton Daily News discussing how Halloween has evolved from ancient Celtic rituals into a modern celebration embraced across cultures. Hartman says the holiday endures because it unites people through creativity, community and shared joy.

3

The burning river that fueled a US green movement

May 5, 2025

An article by the BBC takes the reader back to the late 18th and 19th centuries, when US prosperity was defined by the industrial revolution, a time with little regard for the pollutants that came with industrial expansion. UC's David Stradling, professor of history, cited as expert source in the article.

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