“The public work of historians” was the focus of the plenary session at our recent annual meeting.  Some of us argue that such work can, and ought to, include participation in public culture and in policy discourse. As historians, we have a particular angle of vision, as well as expertise relating to how almost any contemporary issue fits into a broader arc of change over time. Are we doing enough? Can we do more?  Two of our colleagues have spoken out recently in the Chronicle of Higher Education (here and here). The debate should take place here. Let us know what you think here on the AHA blog or on Facebook.

This post first appeared on AHA Today.