USC historian uncovers the Underground Railroad that ran to Mexico
Mexico played an important role in helping escaped slaves find freedom — and in shaping the U.S. Civil War, argues USC Dornsife’s Alice Baumgartner.
Have you been naughty? Then beware: Krampus is coming
With a new movie, a comic book series and Krampus-based festivities growing in popularity, the scary Alpine holiday legend has gained a firm foothold in America.
History professor traces Black women’s migration from the Caribbean
Joan Flores-Villalobos brings to life the women who journeyed to Panama for money, love and adventure during the construction of the famous canal.
Virtual reality project will recreate a 15th century religious experience
USC Dornsife’s Sabina Zonno and Lynn Dodd have received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant to develop an immersive world around a Renaissance-era manuscript.
Natalia Molina named 2020 MacArthur Fellow
The professor of American studies and ethnicity at USC Dornsife receives the prestigious fellowship in recognition of her work on race and citizenship in the U.S.
USC alum looks at history of Thai Americans — beyond just food
Mark Padoongpatt’s examination of Thai immigrants landed him air time on a Hulu show hosted by Padma Lakshmi.
The complicated legacy of the Pilgrims is finally coming to light 400 years after they landed in Plymouth
The glory heaped on the Pilgrims puzzles USC historian Peter Mancall: Native Americans had met Europeans in scores of places before 1620, the Plymouth colony attracted relatively few migrants and it lasted only 70 years.
Student sets Cleopatra’s life to music
A music and business undergraduate juxtaposed modern jazz with ancient history to create two musical pieces based on the life of the legendary Egyptian ruler.
Students share their history research through free online journal
The Scroll raises undergraduate investigations from the catacombs of academia into public view.
USC experts reflect on 100 years of women’s suffrage
With the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratification approaching, USC professors share their thoughts on the state of voting rights in 2020.
Illuminating what home means for a global community of Filipinos
USC Dornsife historian and poet Adrian De Leon traces the histories of the Filipino diaspora across continents all the while exploring the meaning of home.
How have people responded to pandemics throughout history?
Through their research on plagues dating back to the late 19th century, USC Dornsife historians have discovered striking parallels between the coronavirus and previous outbreaks.
For hundreds of years, the mysteries of Mars have fascinated humans
From the authors of classic literature to ancient astronomers, Earthlings have been captivated by Mars for as long as we can remember. USC experts help dissect our attraction to the red planet.
From sorority member to spy: USC alum reveals an unexpected career
Tracy Walder revisits how she went from USC Dornsife history major to CIA operative combatting global terrorism.
Architect Paul Revere Williams’ archive acquired by USC and the Getty
The USC School of Architecture and the Getty Research Institute will work together to preserve and promote Williams’ legacy as a USC alum and legendary Black architect in Los Angeles.
USC grad mixes AI and documentary filmmaking to preserve the past
Imagine a museum where Japanese Americans from World War II live on as virtual avatars. Recent USC graduate Cole Kawana is working on it.
USC community commemorates Juneteenth with virtual celebration
Professors, administrators and students all shared words of remembrance and personal stories at the university’s inaugural Juneteenth event.
USC to mark Juneteenth with intercampus celebration
The online gathering will include student tributes, artistic performances and other celebrations of Black heritage.
As Juneteenth approaches, USC experts examine the persistence of racism and resistance
This year, the celebration of emancipation comes amid protests that beg the question: How far has America really come since 1865?
Throughout American history, economic interests have trumped human life
A USC Dornsife historian revisits several moments when Americans had to choose between human health and making money, noting that the money usually wins out.
What did early Christian communities think about donating during crises?
Modern society could learn a thing or two from the generosity of early Christians, writes a USC Dornsife professor of religion.
How Arab Americans found identity and belonging in California
A new book from USC Dornsife’s Sarah Gualtieri counters a long-held stereotype of Arab Americans as outsiders, exploring how they were integrated into Southern California.
This USC law alum opened up new opportunities for Chinese Americans
You Chung Hong fought to repeal the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and helped thousands of immigrants reunite with their families, becoming the nation’s foremost Chinese attorney.
Islamophobia in the U.S.: a long history of equating Muslims with terrorism
USC Dornsife scholar Evelyn Alsultany traces key moments in the spread of anti-Muslim sentiments across the United States.