About Us

The History Department studies the past to prepare historically informed global citizens for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our faculty and students produce historical knowledge and interpretations that reveal how and why the past matters.

We have several areas of research focus in history: Canadian, Digital, Environmental/ Science/Medicine, Gender/Women, Indigenous, International/Global, Public History, Social/Cultural, and War/Conflict. Several of our faculty have cross-appointments to other departments or programs.

In geographic terms, we teach undergraduate and graduate courses on Canada, the United States, Europe, East Asia, Middle East, and Africa. Our department supports an undergraduate program in International Relations, in conjunction with the Department of Political Science, and we run an undergraduate program in American Studies. Our graduate students earn a PhD in History or MA in History. The MA options include a 12-month program, and a Public History field.

           

News and Updates

Ontario's Halton Region shutting down heritage division, getting rid of 30,000-item historical collection

History Professor Michelle Hamilton speaks on the risks associated with Halton Region shutting down of the heritage division, raising concerns regarding the fate of a 30,000-item historical collection. Hamilton also questions the ethics of deaccession to the collection prior to public consult, and possible similar trends.

What did Trump accomplish in his summit with Putin?

Professor Dyczok comments on U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluding their summit in Alaska without a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Trump said there would be 'no deal until there is a deal.'

Is There Any Hope for Peace From Trump's Meeting with Putin?

History Professor Oleksa Drachewych joins CTV Your Morning host Lindsey Deluce to discuss what U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin each want out of their August 15 meeting in Alaska and if there is any hope of it resulting in peace for Ukraine.

Indigenous Leaders Meet With King Charles

History and Indigenous Studies professor Cody Groat joined CTV Your Morning to discuss the significance of King Charles changing his itinerary to meet with three Indigenous leaders ahead of the throne speech.

Western announces new Generative AI Teaching Fellows

History Professor William Turkel has been announced as one of the three first-ever Western Generative AI Teaching Fellows, a new program that seeks to cultivate innovative projects and enhance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning across campus. He will begin his two-year term in July 1, time during which he plans to create five open-access, customizable teaching modules to prepare students for future work alongside AI.

Potters Field monument to be unveiled in Ingersoll

Professor Cody Groat was interviewed for his research and commemoration efforts at the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery's potter's field. On Saturday, June 7, a new monument was unveiled at the site to honour and remember the hundreds buried without a name or headstone due to race, poverty or other social issues. Professor Groat has been at the forefront of investigative efforts to establish the identities of those buried in the potter's field, and share their stories.

American historian who sleeps in slave dwellings brings project to London

A man who has spent much of his life searching for the truth about slavery is making his first visit to Canada this week, with a stop in London, Ont. Joseph McGill Jr., a historian from South Carolina, is the founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, an initiative that shines light on the overlooked buildings where enslaved people once lived. Since 2010, McGill has spent nights inside cabins, attics and basements that once housed enslaved men, women and children, an effort he calls "sleeping with the ancestors." 

Joseph McGill Jr. reclaims history, brings Slave Dwelling Project to Western

Public historian Joseph McGill Jr., founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, visited Western to share “Sleeping with the Ancestors,” his long-running effort to stay overnight in surviving slave cabins to preserve them and center enslaved people’s stories. The event—his first in Canada—urged more honest public history and showed how immersive visits can challenge plantation nostalgia and spark difficult, necessary conversations.

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