Dr. Martin Kalb, Professor of History and Political Science, gives a brief introduction of the History Symposium in Boitnott Hall on Monday, Feb. 24. Kalb welcomed the audience and shared his role at Bridgewater College.

Harrisonburg City Councilwoman Monica Robinson talked about her work as the first Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project.

“History is the greatest thing ever because it makes you think about things you have never thought about,” said Robinson. Robinson also shared information about how historians are underestimated and how there are so many careers to pursue with a history major, such as being a teacher, administrator and a counselor.

Students and faculty members of the History department pose for a group photo. Members of the faculty include Dr. Kalb, Dr. Maria Paz Esguerra, Dr. Brandon Marsh, and Dr. Yuka Kishida. Dr. Scott Suter (Department of English) also joined.

Dr. Marsh, Associate Professor of History and Department Chair, was welcomed to the podium by Dr. Kalb. Dr. Marsh gave a brief introduction about himself and what it is like teaching history to students at Bridgewater College.

The first thing Robinson says to her interns that her organizations hire is, “What are you interested in?” Based on their interest, they tour and go on field trips to learn more about the history of the sites.

History majors and minors were in attendance at the Symposium. Dr. Marsh recognized students for their hard work and dedication in the history capstone research seminar at Bridgewater College.

Senior Eric Wilbur was awarded the Longenecker Award for his excellence in historical and writing research. This award was presented by Dr. Marsh.

Wilbur gives a brief presentation about his research project, which focused on the Iraqi coup of 1941 and how Iraq willingly fell into fascism.