Cara Robertson (Fellow 2004–05; 2005–06) discusses one of the most famous trials in American history, offering not only a detailed account of events but providing a window into life in America’s Gilded Age, showcasing its most deeply held convictions and its most troubling social anxieties.
The NHC hosted a public conversation on Coastal Thinking led by four leading scholars of environmental humanities and science in a discussion of coastlines and cultures in context of climate breakdown, with a focus on their experiences of the diversity of humanities and science approaches to engaging with the histories and futures of communities shaped by water.
This unique three-day summit of scholars and experts from across the country featured a dynamic intersection between discussion, presentations, and exhibitions, grounded with practical site excursions. Beyond Despair intended to foster cooperation, impact the field of environmental humanities, and launch dialogue that has the potential to change how environmental issues are taught.
This scholarly roundtable, featuring Center Fellows in conversation with NHC President and Director Robert D. Newman, explored the important role for humanists in ongoing public discourse about climate change. Touching on topics such as environmental justice and indigenous peoples, the economic history and lasting legacies of deforestation in Latin America, and the shift in demand for fossil fuels to support global military conflicts, these scholars discussed how the human element must be accounted for as we struggle to shape climate policies for the twenty-first century.
How do humanities scholars approach environmental topics? How does their work complement and complicate the work of scientists? And what does their research, analysis, writing, and teaching add to the ways we understand environmental issues? Join us for these public discussions with leading environmental humanists as we explore how they became interested in their fields, what fuels their passion for their subjects, the questions that intrigue and perplex them, and the ways their work influences how they think about the world.
In the closing months of World War II and its aftermath, how did Italians come to terms with their recent history? How did they go about remembering and/or distancing themselves from the legacies of Fascism? In this scholarly conversation, Fellows Simonetta Falasca-Zamponi and Mia Fuller discuss how Italians contended with these questions.
Since first coming to prominence with his Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting on the My Lai massacre and its subsequent cover-up during the Vietnam War, Seymour “Sy” Hersh has remained one of our nation's most important investigative journalists. Hersh recently published his tenth book, Reporter: A Memoir, in which he reflects on his long career as a journalist, shares behind-the-scenes accounts of the people and events who were central to his most important stories, and reminds us again of the vital importance of a free press.
Tania Munz, vice president for scholarly programs, recently presented a five-minute talk at RTP180, a monthly showcase for organizations in NC’s Research Triangle Park. In her talk, “Nerds in the Woods, or Why the Humanities Matter,” Munz discussed the Center's role in support of advanced humanities research and the ways this research contributes not only to researchers' specific academic fields but to broader questions and concerns.
Successful DH initiatives must be carefully conceived and managed over time to realize their scholarly potential. This day-long conference focused on planning, logistics, and long-term maintenance of digital humanities projects.
A one-day symposium for educators exploring the complex landscape of the Transatlantic Slave Trade through archival investigations. Using source documents and artifacts from the National Archives of the United Kingdom, participants learned hands-on strategies for unpacking the layers of this global system.