Departments Department of History

Bill Fowler, professor emeritus, poses for a portrait on June 30, 2017. <i>Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University</i>

After five decades, professor Bill Fowler—Northeastern’s great storyteller—retires

Beloved history professor William Fowler retired on June 30. His 55 years of association with Northeastern began as a student in 1962. Here, he reflects back on more than five decades at Northeastern with fondness, pride, and, of course, masterful storytelling chock full of historical facts, sharp wit, and engaging narrative.

by Greg St. Martin July 12, 2017

The ‘roller coaster’ relationship between US, Russia

As the FBI continues to investigate the possible connection between the Trump administration and the Kremlin, we asked professor Harlow Robinson, a Russian history expert, to reflect on the evolution of U.S.-Russia relations since the Cold War. “Perhaps the biggest mistake would be to treat Russia as though it doesn’t matter,” he says.

by Jason Kornwitz March 28, 2017

Historian reflects on anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack

William Fowler, Distinguished Professor of History, recalled the attack from both a personal and historical perspective. His father, four uncles, and an aunt served in World War II, and “Pearl Harbor was a defining moment for them and for their generation.”

by Greg St. Martin December 7, 2016

The House sit-in: examining the political and cultural significance

Wednesday morning House Democrats, led by U.S. Rep. John Lewis, began a sit-in on the House floor demanding votes on gun-control legislation. C-SPAN picked up the live feeds that members streamed from their smartphones after Republicans shut down the chamber. Here, Northeastern faculty members shed light on the significance of the protest and the role of social media in its impact.

by Thea Singer June 24, 2016

Faculty Expert

Susan Ambrose

Professor of Education and History and Senior Vice Provost for Educational Innovation

How to follow through on learning a new skill in the new year

Whether it’s learning to speak a new language or play a new instrument, Susan Ambrose, Northeastern's senior vice provost for undergraduate education and experiential learning, suggests a step-by-step approach for broadening your horizons.

by Thea Singer January 21, 2016

4 things we learned from Oliver Stone

The acclaimed film director and screenwriter was on campus Monday to screen part of his documentary series The Untold History of the United States and discuss the project with the Northeastern community.

by Joe O'Connell October 22, 2014

Faculty Expert

Benjamin Schmidt

Assistant Professor History and Core Faculty at NU Lab

A course correction for transportation thinking

Professor Tim Cresswell has received a $1 million grant to build upon his work in mobility theory by examining urban transportation infrastructures and trends in 14 countries. The goal is to understand how current and emerging ideas influence a larger global discussion around mobility in areas such as policy, health, security, sustainability, and social justice.

by Angela Herring May 15, 2014

3Qs: The origins of a sweet treat

The whoopie pie — whipped cream or frosting sandwiched between twin chocolate cakes — has a glorious but muddled history as a favorite treat…

by News@Northeastern October 25, 2012