Lectures in History

What does it take to keep the White House running behind the scenes? American University professor Lina Mann and guest lecturer Sarah Fling explore the people, responsibilities, and day-to-day operations that support life and work at the nation's most famous address. The lecture was recorded at American University in Washington, D.C.

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This 1966 U.S. Information Agency film showcased a working cowboy's day on a California ranch. Reel America is an American History TV series featuring 20th-century archival films.

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Washington University hosted a series of lectures called "1776: Then and Now." This lecture looked at women's roles when the United States declared independence and fought the Revolutionary War.

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What was the natural world like during the American Revolution — and how did it shape the fight for independence? Washington University’s Rachael DeWitt and Hester Blum explore the landscapes, weather, waterways, plants, and animals that were part of everyday life during the Revolutionary War. This lecture is part of Washington University’s “1776: Then and Now” series.

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University of Wisconsin professor Alfred McCoy explored how espionage played a critical role during the Vietnam War.

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San Diego State University professor Edward Blum examines the state constitutions created before the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1787. He explores how states approached questions of political power, representation, and individual rights—and how those early experiments in government helped shape the federal Constitution.

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The Founding Fathers have inspired many writers and politicians, but who inspired the Founding Fathers? Washington University in St. Louis professor Fannie Bialek looked at the people who inspired early American political thought.

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This week on Lectures in History — from the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., the story of one Air National Guard pilot’s experience on September 11th, 2001.

Heather Penney was one of the first F-16 pilots scrambled from Andrews Air Force Base after the terrorist attacks.

She discusses her mission that day, including the possibility that she might have had to bring down United Airlines Flight 93, which had been hijacked by terrorists.

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Washington University hosts its “1776: Then and Now” lecture series. This lecture examines why Thomas Jefferson owned a Qur’an and explores his study of Islam and its influence on his thinking about religion and religious freedom.

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Santa Clara University music professor Christina Zanfagna teaches a class about the relationship between race and music throughout history.

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