UW-Milwaukee Department of History

Congratulations to our own Thomas Haigh who, along with his RetroLab, is spotlighted in an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today (https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2026/07/20/clunky-computers-vintage-video-games-tech-goes-retro-in-quirky-uwm-lab/90878999007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z119553p004450c004450e1164xxv119553d--46--b--46--&gca-ft=242&gca-ds=sophi)

We here at the history department want to take a moment to recognize one of our master’s students, Oli Pierce, for their amazing work and to congratulate them on receiving the Senior Research Excellence Award!
Under the mentorship of Dr. Rachel Buff, Oli started their research journey working on “The Gangster Buffs of Charleston: Jewish Safety in a Southern City.” From there, Oli forged a personal connection with one of Dr. Buff’s relatives, Leah. Drawing from their own background as a q***r historian, Oli found various patterns and clues that Leah left behind, leading Oli to propose that Leah was also a q***r person who entered a lavender marriage. What once began as a group research project directed by Dr. Buff soon became a solo project of Oli’s own, exploring the importance and erasure of q***r history through the story of a mysterious woman and her tragic, untimely death.
While Oli is currently writing a research article about their findings, they hope to turn this project into their master’s thesis and, eventually, a doctoral dissertation.
Oli has presented their research at various academic conferences, including the UW System Symposium, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), and UW System’s Research in the Rotunda. We also had the honor of watching Oli and the other amazing SERA recipients present their research at yesterday’s Senior Excellence in Research Colloquium, and we could not be prouder! Keep up the fantastic work Oli! We can’t wait to see where your research takes you next!

Today we honor Martha Carlin, Distinguished Professor Emerita, and celebrate her incredible impact on the Department of History at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee over the past 35 years.

Since joining UWM in 1990, Martha has inspired students and colleagues through her passion for medieval history, thoughtful mentorship and internationally recognized discoveries, including research connected to William Shakespeare and medieval London.

Beyond the classroom and archives, Martha helped shape the heart of the department through the creation of the History Department Common Room, where conversation, community and connection flourished. From mentoring students to sharing flowers from her gardens and her famous deviled eggs, she made Holton Hall feel like home to so many.🏡🌟🌟

Thank you, Martha, for your generosity, brilliance and lasting legacy at UWM. 💛🖤

Read the full story on the UWM History website.

One more week, and as the weather gets warmer, those Freeze Pops get yummier!

After 33 years at UWM, Lex Renda retired last year, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, mentorship and a deep passion for nineteenth-century U.S. history. He became a constant presence in the History Department-guiding students, supporting colleagues, and somehow always knowing how to make campus life run a little more smoothly.🌟🌟🪄

From the classroom to course scheduling his love of baseball and football, Professor Renda helped shape the UWM community in lasting ways. His impact continues through the students he taught and the department he helped strengthen.

Thank you, Professor Renda, for your years of service, wisdom and care for UWM. 🐾

Check out the UWM History website for the full article on Professor Lex Renda!

What's happening, UW-Milwaukee Department of History?

Big Berks 2027 - Berkshire Conference of Women Historians 2027 Berkshire Conference on the History of Women, Gender, and Sexualities Big Berks 2027 “Beyond Boundaries: Gender, History and the Futures We Imagine” Minneapolis, MN · June 10–13, 2027 Call for Proposals · Conference Tracks · Session Formats · Submission Guidelines · Important Dates S...

With University of Wisconsin Milwaukee – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

We’re to announce Clayborn Benson, two‑time UWM alum, Wisconsin historian, photographer and military veteran, will be the commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient at the ceremony on May 17!

Benson spent 39 years as an award‑winning journalist at TMJ4 News, telling powerful stories across news and sports. In 1987, he founded the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, ensuring the preservation and sharing of Black history while serving as a cornerstone for the community. His honors are many and well‑deserved, including the City of Milwaukee Living Legacy Award, Milwaukee Press Club Hall of Fame, Emmy Silver Circle Award and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Read more at the link in the comments!

Well, now I wish I were a student employee - I 💙LOVE💙 freeze pops!