Ann Denkler, Associate Professor of History
Davis Hall, Room 205, (540) 678-4334, adenkler@su.edu

Public History is the study and application of history outside the academic setting. Public historians use professional expertise and skills to document the past and to present it to the public in these settings. They curate and interpret museum collections, uncover and process archival materials and other primary sources, document an area’s historic structures, conduct oral histories, create documentary films, work in tourism development and help preserve historic buildings and sites. Most importantly, they possess unparalleled investigative, critical and analytical capabilities, and they apply the tools of their craft in a broad spectrum of work environments.

The Public History Certificate Program at Shenandoah University trains students to work as professionals in these types of endeavors. Students have the unique opportunity to take advantage of cutting-edge programs through coursework, internships and classes within the History Department and other departments on campus.

Students must have completed the United States History Survey HIST 103 , HIST 104  sequence prior to enrollment in this program. Students must take HIST 341 Introduction to Public History  (3 credits), complete a 3-credit hour internship and take a minimum of 12 credits from the following courses:*