This year we celebrate 25 years of the History PhD at George Mason University! On this page, please find details about the upcoming celebration events, such as scheduling, maps, and contact information. We hope that you will join us as we look back at what the program has achieved so far, and as we look forward to where we are heading!
Schedule of Events
Friday, November 13
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media Open House and Reception, RRCHNM, Research Hall, Suite 470
3 –5:30 p.m.
Reconnect with the RRCHNM community, explore the center, and enjoy a cocktail reception.
25th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, JC Bistro
6 - 9 p.m.
Gather with members of the program community for dinner and celebrate the program’s founding, history, and impact.
Saturday, November 14
Ph.D. in History 25th Anniversary Symposium, Merten Hall, Room 1201
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The symposium will feature conversations about public history, digital history, turning a dissertation into a book, and academic careers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Symposium Schedule:
8:30 - 9:15 am: Continental Breakfast
9:15 - 10:30 am: "State of Public History"
Chair: Joe Genetin-Pilawa
Speakers:
Jessica Dauterive, Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies
Jennifer Levasseur, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
David Patrick McKenzie, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Robert Townsend, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
10:30 - 10:45 am: Break
10:45 - 12:00 pm: "Dissertation to Book"
Chair: Rosie Zagarri
Speakers:
Erin Bush, University of North Georgia
Jennifer Lansbury, Independent Scholar
George Oberle, George Mason University
Kris (Stinson) Zimmitti, Princeton Theological Seminary
12:00 - 1:15 pm: Lunch
1:30 - 2:45 pm: "Academic/Teaching Careers"
Chair: Suzanne Smith
Speakers:
Jackie Beatty, York College
Josh Catalano, Clemson University
Eric Gonzaba, Cal State Fullerton
Maureen Santelli, NVCC
2:45 - 3:00 pm: Break
3:00 - 4:30 pm: "State of Digital History"
Chair: Lincoln Mullen
Speakers:
Jordan Bratt, Yale University
Mandy Regan, Clemson University
Greta Swain, University of North Texas
Jeri Wieringa, Princeton University
4:30 - 5:00 pm: Closing Remarks
Local Lodging
We have a room block reserved at Hilton Fairfax for November 13, 2026 through November 15, 2026: GMU - PHD 25th Anniversary Block