Historical Figures

Who are the historians of today?

The role of the historian has evolved significantly over time, encompassing diverse methods, areas of research, and contributions. While the traditional concept of historians focused primarily on political, military, and religious events, contemporary historiography has expanded to include a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. Today's historians come from various backgrounds and engage in multiple fields of historical study, including:

Academic Historians:

These historians are employed by universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. They conduct research, write books and articles, and teach students about history. Some notable academic historians include:

- Yuval Noah Harari (Israeli historian and author of "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind")

- Niall Ferguson (British historian and author of "The Ascent of Money")

- Jill Lepore (American historian and author of "These Truths: A History of the United States")

Public Historians:

Public historians work outside of traditional academic settings and engage the general public in historical discussions. They work in museums, archives, historical societies, government agencies, and other public-facing institutions. Some renowned public historians include:

- David McCullough (American historian and author of "1776" and "The Wright Brothers")

- Doris Kearns Goodwin (American historian and author of "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln")

- Ken Burns (American documentary filmmaker and historian behind "The Civil War" and "Baseball")

Digital Historians:

Digital historians use digital tools and technologies to study and present history. They create online exhibitions, databases, websites, and other digital resources to make historical information accessible to a broader audience. Some notable digital historians include:

- Edward Ayers (American historian and creator of the Valley of the Shadow digital history project)

- William G. Thomas III (American historian and co-founder of the History Web Project)

- Rebecca Onion (American historian and digital editor for Slate magazine)

Archaeologists:

Archaeologists are historians who study past human societies by examining their material remains. They excavate sites, analyze artifacts, and reconstruct ancient environments to understand how people lived in different periods. Some prominent archaeologists include:

- Jane Goodall (British primatologist and anthropologist known for her study of chimpanzees)

- Zahi Hawass (Egyptian archaeologist and former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities)

- Sarah Parcak (American archaeologist and National Geographic Explorer who uses satellite imagery to discover ancient sites)

Genealogists:

Genealogists are historians who research the lineages and family histories of individuals or groups of people. They use records, documents, and DNA analysis to trace ancestral lines and uncover familial relationships. Some notable genealogists include:

- Henry Louis Gates Jr. (American literary scholar, historian, and founder of the African American History and Culture Museum)

- Lisa Louise Cooke (American genealogist and author of "The Genealogist's Guide to African-American Research")

- CeCe Moore (American genetic genealogist and co-founder of the DNA Doe Project)

These historians and others contribute to our understanding of the past through their research, writing, and public engagement. They continue to expand the frontiers of historical knowledge, foster critical thinking, and preserve our collective heritage for future generations.