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Philosophy of History

 I believe that the study of history can instruct and inform the present and provide guideposts from which to build a better future. I applaud the movement of the discipline toward inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives, for if we are to learn from the past, we need to understand how events affected all groups, not only those that successfully waged war or built empires, but also the conquered and marginalized. History is essentially the human story, and it becomes a richer tale when sourced from narratives that encompass the broad spectrum of human experience. As a historian studying the United States, I am especially fortunate to have such varied narratives to work with in illuminating and understanding this great nation. As the digital age has greatly increased access to recorded history, I welcome the contributions of both  academic research and popular history in telling that story.

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