Shippensburg University History and Philosophy Department

The Fashion Archives & Museum’s exhibit opening last week was a smashing success! Come visit the new “Happy Birthday! American Milestones from Lafayette to Today”, celebrating America’s 250th! The museum is open Monday-Thursday 12-4pm and Saturdays from 12-4pm.
Below are photos taken by history graduate assistant, Samantha Comeford.

Meet Robbie!

Robbie Ansley is a Junior History and Social Studies Education major at Ship, and he is also an actor in a mystery comedy called “A Single Man: A Murder Mystery”.
The play follows a dating show that turns into a murder mystery.
When discussing his role, Robbie explained “My character is Detective Henri Poisson, alias Jean-Philippe. Acting in this show while studying history has been a wonderful experience. Theatre is one of the longest lasting art forms with origins going incredibly far back in the historical record. To know I’m part of a long line of actors, and having an understanding behind that history, really helps me to connect with the material as well as the audience. It’s so fascinating to me to keep this ancient tradition alive.”
Robbie’s future plans are to be a middle or high school history teacher. He also hopes to participate in the theatre program at the school he teaches at.
“A Single Man: A Murder Mystery” will be performed at the Memorial Auditorium today at 7pm, May 1st at 7pm, and May 2nd at 2pm and 7pm. Admission price is $5 for students, children, and seniors. $15 for adults.
The History Department wishes Robbie the best on his future endeavors in theatre and teaching. “Break a leg”, Robbie!

Meet Hannah!

Hannah Campbell is a sophomore Public History major here at Ship, and she is directing a mystery comedy called “A Single Man: A Murder Mystery”
The play follows a dating show that turns into a murder mystery.

As a director, Hannah organizes rehearsals, works with lighting and props (there’s lots of them!), and works with the cast.

When discussing her experience directing an original play, Hannah explained “It’s really nice to be able to take the analytical side and deep dive into it like primary material and use it in a creative fashion. I get to interpret text and give the cast this creativity to see where they go with the role. Half of my job is asking questions to further their understanding of the characters and plot. I like to call this “interrogation”.

“It’s so much fun and I still cackle after seeing the show over 50 times and the actors are so great. This show is half my life now. It is reviving to see it in action.”

Hannah’s future plans are to direct more plays in the future, study abroad in South Korea next year, and work as a curator or archivist in a small museum. She would also like to do research in South Korea and teach English there.

“A Single Man: A Murder Mystery” will be performed at the Memorial Auditorium today at 7pm, May 1st at 7pm, and May 2nd at 2pm and 7pm. Admission price is $5 for students, children, and seniors. $15 for adults.

The History Department wishes Hannah the best on her future endeavors in theatre and public history.

“Break a leg”, Hannah!

Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy Shippensburg 250 Trivia last night. It was a fun evening of local history, and congratulations to our winning teams! Kudos to Tom Bloss, Jack Tobey, Riley MacIntyre, and Shane Billings for organizing a great event, and the Shippensburg Public Library for allowing use of the Community Room.

An interesting opportunity to learn about a major preservation efforts at Shippensburg's Dykeman Hatch House.

Join David Maclay at the Coy Public Library of Shippensburg on April 30 for Back from the Brink and Beyond: A Local Preservation Narrative on the Dykeman Hatch House. This free event is open to the public. It will be in the Board Room, upstairs at Coy Public Library. Room opens at 6pm. Talk starts at 6:30.

David Maclay, contractor for the extensive restoration of the Dykeman Hatch House that began in 2002, will present an overview of the locally driven efforts to transform the iconic 1871 trout hatchery from a hulking ruin – in danger of collapse – to the architectural gem that it remains today.

Owner of Pine Hill Woodwork, and Preservation Specialist for Historic Gettysburg-Adams County, Mr. Maclay will detail the development of the scope of work, the challenging and fruitful fundraising campaign, and the significant design and engineering considerations that led to the successful restoration work more than twenty years ago.

Each element of the restoration – from the masonry reconstruction, timber frame roof system, Italianate cupola, windows, doors, shutters, and chimneys – will be on the docket for an engaging evening of historic preservation storytelling.

The narrative will also articulate possibilities and recommendations for the next stages of restoration as another infusion of community enthusiasm is being brought to bear.

Want to test your Shippensburg trivia knowledge--or just have fun learning about local history? Join us for a night of Shippensburg historical trivia fun on Monday, April 20 from 6:30-7:30 pm at Shippensburg's Coy Public Library Community Room, 73 West King Street. It should be a night filled with history, surprises, and unique historical prizes. Hosted by students of the Shippensburg University Applied History Program. This is free and open to the community--historians and trivia fans of all ages are welcomed!

Professor Emerita Katy Clay presented an excellent talk on beekeeping and Ukrainian and Russian culture tonight. It was wonderful having Professor Clay back on campus.

You are invited to a fun evening of Shippensburg history trivia to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. It is happening Monday, April 20 from 6:30-7:30 pm at Shippensburg's Coy Public Library Community Room. This is free and open to the public. Bring your own team, or come alone and we find you a team. Historical prizes will be awarded to the winning team. Organized by students in Shippensburg University's Applied History program.

Dr. Senecal was once again on WITF's The Spark program to provide her insights and expertise. In this episode she discussed the legacy of Irish women in Pennsylvania history. Click on the link below to listen to the episode.

The Legacy of Irish Women in Pennsylvania History | WITF AIRED; March 23, 2026Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation. Irish women have played a significant role in shaping Pennsylvania’s […]

Here are our newest BSED graduates on their last day of student teaching last week. They are ready to make an impact on student lives. Thank you to Dr. Weaver and the entire department for providing such great mentorship and support to these outstanding future teachers.