Now available online and very soon in members’ mailboxes, the year-end issue of Perspectives on History features a compelling valedictory column by Kenneth Pomeranz on habits of mind that many historians have internalized to the point of forgetting to mention them when describing the discipline. James Grossman uses his column to disrupt the plans of those who seek the creative destruction of higher education, and Jacqueline Jones, the AHA vice president, Professional Division looks back at a lively year in the PD.

We also highly recommend the Masters at the Movies column by David Armitage on director Peter Watkins and his “daring anachronism.” Armitage makes the case that Watkins is “the most important historical filmmaker of the 20th century” and enthusiastically describes his playful-yet-significant placement of TV reporters at the Battle of Culloden (1746) and the Paris Commune (1871).

Three articles on the benefits of working locally round out the issue with reminders of the importance of history down the road, in nearby forests, and in carefully preserved buildings. The articles—by Joshua Bill, Joseph Cialdella, and Bob H. Reinhardt—reveal how easily and profitably history practiced on a local scale can become collaborative and transformative.

All the above, and more news and ideas about the discipline and the Association, is available now online.

This post first appeared on AHA Today.