University of Montana History Department

Check out UM History Professor Claire Arcenas's latest review essay, "Was America supposed to Be a Democracy?," in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/20/books/review/the-lost-founder-jesse-wegman-the-fall-of-republics-thomas-f-madden.html College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Montana

Was America Supposed to Be a Democracy? A pair of new books look back at the fear, anxiety and optimism that shaped the founding of the United States.

We're thrilled to see this book launch event for Nicholas C.P. Vrooman's "'The Whole Country was... 'One Robe'": The Little Shell Tribe's America. Nicholas earned his PhD from the University of Montana History Department in 2010. The University of Montana Graduate School

The UMontana History Department's Spring 2026 newsletter is live! Check out all of the great happenings here: https://montana.imodules.com/controls/email_marketing/view_in_browser.aspx?sid=1731&gid=2&sendId=6708227&ecatid=69&puid=6c7cc01d-2968-40ab-8c67-20dd92b59c9d College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Montana The University of Montana Graduate School

montana.imodules.com The History Department honored its 2026 graduates—including six new history MA graduates—with a reception featuring remarks by , the History Department’s Outstanding Student for 2026, and retiring faculty member Tobin Miller Shearer. 

Congratulations to MA candidate Emma Siewert! Her essay, "'The Man of Men': Representations of Toussaint Louverture in American Abolitionist Literature, 1791-1861," received Best Graduate Paper Prize at the recent 2026 Northwest Regional Phi Alpha Theta Conference.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of MontanaThe University of Montana Graduate School University of Montana

Congratulations to the UMontana History Class of 2026! A few pictures from last week's History Department reception for graduates and friends:

Professor Scott Arcenas was recently featured on Ancient History Magazine's podcast to talk about political violence in ancient Greece and his new book on the topic. Congratulations Professor Arcenas! You can listen to the podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6P6tDz59h6M6Ze8ANTJqix?si=bmEdK8cQR1G0Rk-UejH33w

AH29 - Political Violence in Ancient Greece Ancient History Podcast · Episode

In late April, University of Montana History made the annual trip to the Phi Alpha Theta Northwest Regional Conference. 13 of our students presented their original research papers and received critical feedback from faculty around the region. Congratulations to our student presenters! And special thanks to Professors Davies, Pavilack, and Volk for organizing and accompanying our contingent this year.

The University of Montana Graduate School College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Montana

Congratulations to graduating History student Daniel Martin who had accepted a prestigious Schwarzman scholarship: https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org/ Way to go, Daniel! So richly deserved. https://www.umt.edu/history/news-stories/danielmartinoutstanding.php

Congratulations to Camren Zoet on receiving the Edward Earl Bennett Memorial Scholarship! Camren has this to say about studying history, "I am studying history so I can educate the next generation in what I believe is the most important subject, as history governs the present and teaches us how to be better people and a better society."

UM History student Connor Macleod recently created a digital exhibit on Red Cloud’s War and the Bozeman Trail as part of his internship with the Montana History Portal. His project explores the conflict over U.S. expansion into Powder River Country and the resistance led by Red Cloud, offering important context for understanding this pivotal moment in the history of the Northern Plains. Check it out here!
https://www.mtmemory.org/nodes/view/134609

Red Cloud's War on the Bozeman Trail Read the full record details for Exhibit Narrative: Red Cloud's War on the Bozeman Trail