Welcome to the Stanford University Department of History
We offer innovative courses, cutting-edge research, and critical outreach to better understand the past in order to prepare for the future.
Buying Greenland Isn’t a New Idea
In his Wall Street Journal op-ed, Professor Steven Press offers a global historical approach to land purchases and national sovereignty.
Professor Sommer wins John Boswell Prize
Professor Sommer's book, The Fox Spirit, the Stone Maiden, and Other Transgender Histories from Late Imperial China, received the 2025 John Boswell Prize from the LGBTQ+ History Association.
Professor Hecht wins ASA Best Book Prize
Professor Hecht's book, Residual Governance: How South Africa Foretells Planetary Futures, received the 2024 Best Book Award from the African Studies Association.
Alumni Interview with Professor Junko Takeda (Stanford History PhD, 2006)
Junko Takeda is Professor of History and Chair of the Citizenship and Civic Engagement Program in the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
Understanding the past, present, and future
Historians explore change over time by sifting through different forms of evidence, perspectives, and factors.
Department Bookshelf
Check out the newest publications from our faculty members.
