Calvin University Historical Studies Department

The students studying abroad for the Semester in Germany program (led by our very own Professors Frans & Kate van Liere) are having a wonderful time! Take a look at some of their adventures (notice the street sign in the first picture!).

Check out this story featuring our very own (NEW ALUMNUS), Meg Pheifer '26! Reflecting on her journey as a History major at Calvin, Meg states: “It’s given me a deeper sense of human dignity and compassion. I’ve learned to listen well, to understand others’ stories, and to share them.”

Meg will soon be heading to Bangkok, Thailand to work with International Justice Mission, an organization that seeks to end human trafficking and child exploitation around the globe. Meg was heavily involved in Calvin's IJM Chapter during her years as a student.

Bravo, Meg! We cannot wait to hear about your continuing impact as you seek justice in the world.

A Safe Place to Stretch: How Meg Pheifer Found Her Calling at Calvin Meg Pheifer ’26 is stepping into the world with clarity, courage, and a calling that stretches far beyond herself. After graduation, she’s heading to Bangkok, Thailand, to work with International Justice Mission, an opportunity that reflects not just what she’s learned, but who she’s become....

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Today we applaud your hard work, dedication, resilience, and growth over the course of your educational journey. We are so proud of you and are eager to see the amazing things you accomplish as Christ's agents of renewal in the world.

Well done!

This week Professor Kate van Liere's HIST 294 Research Methods class presented their museum exhibit proposals at the Grand Rapids Public Museum! Each spring, HIST 294 students present their proposals to GRPM directors and staff, who then consider the students' ideas for future exhibits.

This year's proposals included exhibits on the history of the Grand Rapids Police Department, Ancient Egypt, "Swords through the Centuries," the history of protests in Grand Rapids, and more.

Well done, HIST 294 students!

Congratulations to our two outstanding senior Honors students, Alison Chen and Meg Pheifer, on the presentation of their honors theses last week! We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their research and the compelling implications of their findings for today's society.

Alison's thesis, "Rinderpest's Effect on Colonization in Late Nineteenth-Century South Africa," analyzes the rinderpest outbreak in South Africa in the late 1800s, the effects of which still persist today. Meg's thesis, "God, Grass, and Go-Getters: A Case Study of American Charity, 2005-2025," explores a non-profit organization near Meg's hometown and its call to action for the church.

If you missed the colloquium and would like to watch Alison and Meg's presentations, check out the recording on our department YouTube page: https://youtu.be/2OfrsebyFF4

Well done, Alison & Meg!

Join us NEXT Tuesday, April 28 for our department end-of-year party! We'll have sweet treats and games as we celebrate another successful year. 🥳 Stop by the department lounge (HH 495, across from the Archaeology lab) any time between 4:00-5:15 p.m. to spend time with your fellow students and professors. We'll also be announcing the recipients of this year's Named Scholarships and the De Bie essay contest winner.

See you there!

Please join us in congratulating Professor Frans van Liere on the publication of his book, "Shared Scripture—Divided Faiths: The Medieval Jewish-Christian Encounter over the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament." Prof. van Liere edited and co-authored the collection of proceedings of the conference that he organized in 2023 while he served as the Corcoran chair at the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College.

The volume explores the ambivalent and often troublesome relationship that Jews and Christians had in the Middle Ages, focusing on one aspect of that relationship: Scriptural exegesis. The essays in this volume show that the meaning of Scripture is not self-evident; it is created within a faith community. When these faith communities interacted, the result was sometimes a lively discussion on the meaning of Scripture. Sharp polemic and cross-fertilization occurred simultaneously. The essays in this volume add new details and perspectives to the rich tradition of scholarship on this topic, and, in some cases, will even challenge its parameters.

Well done, Professor van Liere!

New Historical Horizons blog post! The first line of this post posits: "These days, one needs a degree in medieval studies to make sense of the daily news." Good thing we have our very own Medieval historian in the department!

In his post, Professor Frans van Liere examines the historical conflict between the French monarchy and the Papacy, which may shed light on the current happenings between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV.

Enjoy this insightful and well-articulated read. Well done, Professor van Liere!

The Pope and the King, or: Why Pope Leo won’t visit America anytime soon. These days, one needs a degree in medieval studies to make sense of the daily news.

Join us this Thursday, April 16 at 4:00 p.m. for a FEN Week discussion led by our very own Professor Will Katerberg! Prof. Katerberg will be presenting "Historical Perspectives on Today's Immigration Debates" as we explore what it means for Calvin to be a place of justice and belonging. The discussion will be held in the Center for Student Engagement - Commons Square (just across the hall from Peet's near the Student Senate office).

Click this link to read more about FEN Week and see the full schedule of events: https://www.calvinsenate.org/fen-week

Love the outdoors AND studying the past? Come test your knowledge of national park history with Historical Studies Department alum Will C De Man ('21) at Speciation Cellars on Saturday, April 18 at 5:00 p.m.! Three rounds of trivia centered on your favorite national parks will be accompanied by the launch of Will's new book, "Creating the National Parks: Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton." There will be a food truck, prizes, and a chance to show your prowess as a student of the past and fan of our national parks.

Here's a sneak peek of Will's new book:
"With this book, history teacher Will De Man traces the origins of three iconic national parks through conflict, tragedy, and triumph. From the Indigenous people who first called Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton home to the movements that formed to protect them from exploitation, each chapter reveals the history that will give park-lovers a more intimate understanding of these beloved landscapes. Complete with historic photos, this book is for readers who are passionate about both the history of the national parks and protecting them for future generations."

To learn more about the work Will is doing, check out his website at nationalparkshistory.com and follow him on Instagram .