Perspectives on History started our year showcasing the diversity of the historical discipline with a special January issue inspired by the Guidelines for Broadening the Definition of Historical Scholarship. Contributors wrote about op-eds, documentary editing, translation, and more. As the United States adjusted to a new administration, Perspectives sought to put current events in historical context, publishing pieces on protests in Los Angeles, tariffs, and a reminder that not every “new” policy decision is so new after all. We continued to highlight creative ways to teach history, whether with chocolate tasting in the classroom, introducing students to genealogy, or providing immediate feedback.
The five print issues of Perspectives on History covered topics related to broadening the definition of historic scholarship, family records, African trade policy, and more.
This summer, we explored the National Park Service, with articles on the early history of NPS, storytelling at Mount Rushmore, and the relationship between Native people and the NPS. We welcomed three graduate student columnists who taught readers about playwriting, a local community garden, and immigration. We continued sharing our love of reading with #AHAReads and our love of material culture with the Everything Has A History section. Perspectives also began publishing columns from new executive director Sarah Weicksel in the fall and continued to peel back the curtain of the AHA townhouse, explaining the behind the scenes of AHA26 art and programs like Career Contacts.
As we look forward to the new year, the Perspectives team offers a list of the articles that resonated most with online readers each month. Enjoy this look back on popular articles from 2025.
January
Becoming a Friend of the Court by Holly Brewer
For 10 years, Holly Brewer has been using her historical expertise to write amicus briefs.
February
Reinscribing History by Shae O. Omonijo
After advocating for a new monument on her undergraduate campus, Shae O. Omonijo argues for the value of such projects.
March
Urban History Faces a New Crisis by Zachary M. Schrag
Five years after COVID-19 arrived in the United States, Zachary M. Schrag writes about its effects on urban life and urban history.
April
Radical Tariffs Aren’t New, But They Have Been Disastrous by Scott Reynolds Nelson
In four cases, tariffs have led to depressions in US history.
May
The Road Not (Yet) Taken by Jonathan Coopersmith and Arthur Daemmrich
Public policy arenas need the expertise and skills historians bring to the table.
June
Documenting an Age of Fire by Shriya Dasgupta
Graduate student Shriya Dasgupta has completed more than 100 oral histories on the revolutionary history of Kolkata.
July
The Park Service Mandate by Denise D. Meringolo
What makes a national park? What is a national park for? And what is the foundation of park management? These questions were essential in the early days of the US National Park Service.
August
A Larger, Older, Richer, Greater Yellowstone by Mark Fiege
The Yellowstone magma plume, hot spot, and plate tectonics created a geological Greater Yellowstone that connects distant ancient landscapes to today’s national park.
September
Cursive Conversations by Bonnie J. Morris
A historian who has been journaling for 50 years thinks about the future of cursive script.
October
How Giving Up Tenure Made Me a Less Distinguished and More Influential Professor by David Peterson del Mar
Giving up tenure gave this professor more time to focus on supporting his students.
November
A Dream Realized by Laura Ansley
Leaving academia doesn’t mean leaving behind disciplinary dreams.
December
When “Rules” No Longer Apply by Gregory A. Daddis
Disdaining wartime rules of engagement, whether during the Cold War or today, are counterproductive to US military operations.
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