Public History

The Division of Legal, Ethical and Historical Studies is developing an undergraduate, upper-division specialization in public history. "Public history" means the presentation of historical knowledge to a general public audience. Public history takes many forms--museum presentations, television documentaries, historic preservation projects, collection and recording projects, and the re-translation of traditional historical knowledge into modern, micro-computer-based formats, to give some examples. As an academic discipline it also focuses on the efficient and ethical management of our nation's historical heritage and collective memories. The program complements the mission of the Division and the College.

The specialization consists of a sequence of courses within the existing curriculum that will expose students to the intellectual issues, professional problems, and career opportunities in public history. We are also cementing working relationships with organizations in Maryland and the nation involved in public history. This will provide our students with possibilities for internships and the like. We are also working on some high-visibility conferences as part of our program. Our longer term agenda is to develop a unique professional specialization in public history that will not only attract history majors, but also men and women already in the profession seeking to enhance their skills in the use of technology and the management of public history.

Dr. Jessica Elfenbein is the Director of the Public History specialization.
Her Email is jelfenbein@ubmail.ubalt.edu

Special Programs

The University of Baltimore is home to the Center for Urban Archaeology.

The UB Archives boast the region's strongest collections about Central Maryland in the 20th century.