Americans might love Cinco de Mayo, but few know its history
USC’s Kirby Farah notes that although many Americans without Mexican ancestry view the holiday as an excuse to drink margaritas, the actual legacy of Cinco de Mayo is a complicated one.
What the Notre Dame Cathedral fire means to Paris, Catholics and more
USC experts offer insight into the catastrophic blaze’s potential impact on religion, art, tourism and history.
The Legal Story Behind Puerto Rico’s Colonial Conundrum
Through a family’s personal history, a USC law expert uncovers the complex history of Puerto Rico and the United States.
The true meaning of ‘Armistice Day’ — a commitment to peace
As the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I approaches Sunday, USC sociologist Michael Messner talks about his research into veterans who now advocate for peace.
How did WWI reshape the modern world?
A hundred years after the end of the “war to end all wars,” USC experts discuss its surprising impact and how it affects us even today.
What is the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation?
A panel of experts, including MacArthur “Genius Grant” awardees Viet Thanh Nguyen and Josh Kun, explains the history of cultural appropriation and growing awareness in the digital era.
As D.C. intern, USC student studies history of slavery in the nation’s capital
Working at the White House Historical Association, Kelsey Kaline establishes a timeline on the topic by combing through documents, wills, diaries and correspondence.
On National Read a Book Day, USC faculty give their top choices
Citing works of science fiction, nonfiction, biography, humor and horror, six professors offer their literary choices.
Technology preserves Byzantine murals in Eastern Orthodox churches
Personal and cultural legacy meets cutting-edge research technology, enabling the documentation and preservation of Byzantine murals in Eastern Orthodox churches.
USC helps teachers from around the U.S. get rare access to colonial era history
The USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute inspires 35 middle and high school teachers to teach students about the latest scholarship on the early American experience.
USC Shoah Foundation-backed film Last Goodbye offers haunting reminder of Holocaust history
A visit by survivor Pinchas Gutter to his homeland is a recollection of the family he lost and the life he might have lived.
USC alum makes reading more relevant to homeless students
Veteran writer uses book on L.A., homelessness and even the Gettysburg Address to inspire questions and pique curiosity.
USC president teaches the classics to spark passion for humanities
The great thinkers of ancient Athens were ahead of their time, say USC President C. L. Max Nikias and administrator Robin Romans, who teach a class on literary legends.
How Los Angeles got its name: A heavenly question for USC’s hometown
Take a look back at a bit of Los Angeles history that lives on today.
Pink for boys and blue for girls: the colorful history of things designed for kids
Whether it’s clothes, toys, books or schools, the designs tell students a lot about marketing and childhood.
Meet a digger of ancient artifacts, french fries food truck owner and USC Trojan
Max Novak’s fascination with Greek and Roman history could lead to a career as a museum curator.
Family secrets and white-collar crime uncovered by USC historian
Alice Echols peels away the layers of a hidden history, exposing Depression-era financial corruption in the process.
Student finds ancient Greek sword in Thebes — just another day on a dig
Overseas research opportunities, like the one in which Max Novak unearthed a centuries-old sword, help the department expand its reach.
Fascists foiled in 1940s L.A.: USC historian tells the cautionary tale
Steve Ross recounts the story of a man who helped to thwart sabotage ignored by the FBI and local law enforcers.
Memories and tears as USC marks the 16th anniversary of 9/11
A pair of students from New York happen upon the university’s annual memorial service in remembrance of the 2001 terror attack.
Jacob Soll takes on the finances of Greece — now, in Greek
The professor of history and accounting and USC President C. L. Max Nikias present Soll’s book to the prime minister of Greece.
Historic paper trail shows difficulty of governing from half a world away
USC researcher examines the British Empire’s bureaucracy through American and Indian colonial-era archives.
Students Immerse Themselves in the Past to Uncover Untold Stories
From traveling abroad to digging through treasures, USC undergraduates go beyond the book to interpret history.
Big changes coming to Westminster Abbey, with help from USC alumna
Valerie Humphrey heads $30 million development for the Gothic church and storied burial place of royals, statesmen and scientists.