History Major and Minor | Skidmore College

Study societies across time and place — from the ancient world to today. Explore power, nationalism, war, identity, and social change. Build skills in research, writing, and critical-thinking. Understand the past and present and shape the future.

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What sets our History Department apart? Courses taught by prize-winning professors who emphasize discussion, debate, and hands-on research; opportunities to bring your work to life through internships, podcasts, and exhibitions; and an active student community that hosts trivia nights, movie screenings, and field trips.

What will you learn?

As a history major, you’ll explore global histories across cultures, regions, and time periods while developing strong research, writing, and analytical skills. You will learn to analyze the past from multiple perspectives and apply those insights to the world today.

Where will you go?

History majors graduate with the ability to think critically, analyze complex ideas, and communicate effectively — skills that open doors across industries and prepare students for graduate school or a wide variety of careers.

Career paths	Employers	Graduate schools
Educator Film or television consultant Historical consultant Journalist Lawyer Management professional Nonprofit leader Researcher Small business owner	CBS Chronicle of Higher Education International Republican Institute Massachusetts Attorney General’s Health Division National Park Service National Outdoor Leadership School Success Academy	Cambridge University London School of Economics New York University School of Law Oxford University University of California, Berkeley University of Minnesota University of Texas at Austin University of Virginia

A student leans against a red cannon, wearing park ranger attire, at the Saratoga Battlefield Historical Site

Learn history where it happened

History majors don’t just study the past — they help preserve, interpret, and share it through internships. From Revolutionary War battlefields to world-class museums, Skidmore’s location gives history majors access to hands-on opportunities and professional mentors throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

Learn more about internships

Olivia Berenson '24 looks at colorful artwork in the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery

Create and curate

Olivia Berenson ’24 turned her love of history, art, and storytelling into a six-part poetry series at the Tang Teaching Museum. By creating programs that connected exhibitions, writing, and community, she discovered a passion for museum education and public programming.

Hear Olivia's story

Brendan Woodruff stands on a rooftop next to solar panels with a view of the city in the background.

Lessons for a better future

Brendan Woodruff ’09 learned to think critically about complex challenges while at Skidmore. Today, as the first-ever director of sustainability for New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation, he is building a more sustainable future.

Read Brendan's story

Keith Murray stands in a workshop with red shelving and tools.

Adapting to the unexpected

History major Keith Murray ’91 planned to join the Peace Corps in Yemen after graduation — until the Gulf War upended his plans. Now happily a mechanic in charge of Coachworks in Saratoga, he draws on his passions for research and solving problems.

Read Keith's story

Faculty who live and breathe history

Meet some of our expert historians and thoughtful mentors invested in your success.

Tillman Nechtman in his office surround by various British artifacts and flags

Histories not often told

After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, History Professor Tillman Nechtman offered a lesser-known history lesson — exploring what the allegiance of “loyal mutineers” on isolated Pitcairn Island to King Charles III reveals about our supposedly postcolonial age.

Watch the video

Jenny Day speaks during a panel discussion sitting at a table holding a microphone. Pushkala Prasad is seated to the right of the speaker.

Democracy in action

History Professor Jenny Day was among the faculty to take part in Skidmore’s Speech and Expression on College Campuses Symposium — presenting a positive model of dialogue and democratic principles at work.

Read the story

Separating myth from reality

Matthew D. Hockenos, Harriet Johnson Toadvine ’56 Professor in 20th-Century History, discussed Martin Niemöller, the famed German Lutheran pastor hailed for his stance against the Nazi regime, in his Edwin M. Moseley Faculty Research Lecture.

Read the story

Faculty

Award-winning. Creative. Thoughtful and supportive.

Meet your professors

Contact History

Office

Tisch Learning Center 314
Phone: 518-580-5260
Fax: 518-580-8067

Department Chair

Jennifer Delton
Professor and The Harriet Johnson Toadvine '56 Chair in 20th Century History
jdelton@skidmore.edu

Administrative Assistant

Susan Metrazzo
smatrazz@skidmore.edu