UR Department of History

On March 12, 1933, FDR gave his first "Fireside Chat" - Getty Images/Getty Images We know our readers have settled in or are travelling to and from many different places. Not all are experiencing this time of year as we do here in Rochester facing the cold chill of winter and a white blanket of snow as we step outside. But for those who are in need of a good excuse to relax by the fireplace or curl up on the couch with a cup of tea or a favorite pet, here is a list of reading...

Professor Jed Kuhn shares his thoughts on his colleague's lecture. The cover of an anonymous manuscript album on whaling by the Onassis fleet Source: From an anonymous manuscript album on whaling by the Onassis fleet. OA, “WMS Olympic Challenger” (OAA.SF01.SSF02.S01.F015) During Meliora Weekend, Professor Tom Fleischman delivered a public lecture on his new research project to a packed audience. His lecture, “Aristotle and the Cachalot,” charted the history of 20th century industrial whaling...

We would like to extend a warm thank you to each person who has given to the University of Rochester History Department! Your donations help make our program "Ever Better" every day. We are proud to announce your support has directly enhanced  the learning experiences of so many of our students. We would like to highlight some of those opportunities here:   The Neil and Marian Evans Fund supported a URochester History graduate student Emmarae Stein's research trip to Madrid in July 2025. The...