History

A map of the colony of Connecticut, 1766, drawn before the creation of Tolland County.

A Hotbed of Patriotism
Eastern Connecticut's role in the founding of America

If there was an epicenter of the American Revolution in Connecticut, it may well have been eastern Connecticut. In the years before and during the Revolutionary War, the region produced numerous...

Posted on October 26, 2026 by Thomas J. Balcerski, professor of history

Panel discusses 9/11's lasting impacts
Faculty approach tragedy from interdisciplinary perspectives

Eastern Connecticut State University convened a panel of faculty on Sept. 10 to discuss the ongoing historic, political, psychological, and economic impacts of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Held...

Posted on September 15, 2026 by Collin Moffitt '27

Professor emerita's new book explores pierogi and Polish-American identity
Jaroszynska-Kirchmann: 'Fascinating and delicious'

A new book by Professor Emerita Anna D. Jaroszyńska-Kirchmann explores how pierogi, a trademark of Polish cuisine, traveled from Poland to the United States and evolved into a symbol of...

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Savannah Striano ‘25

VIDEO: Students shine at CREATE conference

Student research and creative activity took center stage at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 24 during the annual CREATE conference, a campus-wide celebration of undergraduate...

Posted on May 04, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

Watch: Students digitize history during Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon

With laptops in hand, Eastern joined a worldwide effort to digitize history on Feb. 20 during the Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon. The annual, international effort honors Black history by empowering...

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Savannah Striano '25

4 alumni take the helm as school principals

Since its founding in 1889 as a normal school tasked with preparing primary school teachers, Eastern Connecticut State University has seen thousands of teaching candidates graduate to become...

Posted on January 08, 2026 by Ed Osborn

Brian Betesh ‘05 named Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker recognized Eastern alum Brian Betesh ’05 as the 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year this...

Posted on December 22, 2025 by Kyle Berson '26

History alumni discuss careers after Eastern

A quintet of alumni from Eastern’s Department of History returned to campus as panelists to share their career journeys with current history majors on Nov. 12 in the David G. Carter Science...

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Balcerski presents on partisan history at Cumberland University

History Professor Thomas Balcerski presented a guest lecture on partisan history at a conference hosted by Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN, on Oct 28. Balcerski discussed the "Papers of...

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Moore featured in 'Witch of Pungo' mini-documentary

History Professor Scott Moore was featured in a series of mini-documentaries by Virginia-based WHRO Public Media commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution....

Posted on November 05, 2025

Davis awarded fellowship at Institute for Advanced Study
History professor will work on book manuscript in spring 2026

History Professor Bradley Camp Davis has been selected as a member of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), an independent theoretical research center in Princeton, NJ, for the 2025-26 academic...

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

'Present from the Start' spotlights Black and Indigenous colonial history

More than 150 historians, graduate, and undergraduate students from across Connecticut filled the Student Center on Sept. 20 for a conference highlighting the forgotten histories of ethnic...

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Medieval artifacts find home in University archives
Eastern acquires 800-year-old manuscripts

A curation effort by a team of faculty members at Eastern Connecticut State University recently brought two medieval artifacts to the University Archives and Special Collections. Located on the...

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig ’26

Twin roles solidify Balcerski as a leading regional historian
Eastern faculty member named president, editor of 2 historical institutions

A faculty member in Eastern’s Department of History has recently taken major roles with two regional historical institutions. Professor Thomas Balcerski is the newly appointed president of...

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Students make history at system-wide conference
Eastern hosts CSU Making History Conference

History students at Eastern Connecticut State University and visiting students from other Connecticut State Universities (CSUs) presented research at the CSU Making History Conference on March 28...

Posted on April 04, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern preserves Black history at Douglass Day 'transcribe-a-thon'

Students and faculty members at Eastern Connecticut State University gathered in the Paul E. Johnson Community Conference Room of the J. Eugene Smith Library to participate in the annual nationwide...

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern represents at 'the beating heart of the historical profession’

A history student and professor at Eastern Connecticut State University recently took a national stage to share their work on the sociopolitical impacts of three cornerstones of American culture:...

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Noel Teter

Alumna Jessica Chapman ’11 wins prestigious Milken Educator Award
Chapman is Connecticut’s only 2024 recipient, one of 45 nationwide

Eastern Connecticut State University alumna Jessica Chapman ’11, a history and social studies teacher at Norwich Free Academy (NFA), was recently surprised with one of the nation’s top...

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Noel Teter '24

Post-election panel analyzes turnout and historical precedents

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted a “Post-Election Reflections” panel on Nov. 13. The discussion was moderated by history Professor Tom Balcerski and political science...

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

History alum connects with his Armenian heritage through volunteering

An alumnus of the history program at Eastern Connecticut State University has spent the past few months in Armenia through a volunteer program called Birthright Armenia. Ara Daglian ‘18 has...

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Former Eastern lecturer receives inaugural award for historical preservation

A retired history lecturer at Eastern Connecticut State University has received an inaugural award named in his honor for his dedication to the research and preservation of local history. Jamie...

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

History professor explores cultural impact of the 'Witch of Pungo'
Moore acknowledges impact of modern media on retelling of history

Students and faculty filled the Johnson Room in Eastern Connecticut State University’s J. Eugene Smith Library to hear Scott Moore, associate professor of history, discuss his recent book,...

Posted on October 03, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Professor Balcerski featured in major documentary about Abraham Lincoln
'Lover of Men' explores evidence of Lincoln’s sexuality

Thomas Balcerski, associate professor of history at Eastern Connecticut State University, recently appeared in a documentary uncovering the truths of president Abraham Lincoln’s love life....

Posted on September 17, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern history professor publishes book on legendary Virginia ‘witch’

Scott Moore, associate professor of history at Eastern Connecticut State University and native of Virginia Beach, VA, recently published a book about a legendary accused witch from southeastern...

Posted on July 08, 2024 by Noel Teter

Eastern inducts hundreds into honor societies in spring 2024

More than 20 academic programs and departments at Eastern Connecticut State University recognized student achievements this spring 2024 semester during honor society inductions and award ceremonies.

Posted on May 16, 2024

Bestselling author Jeff Benedict ’91 presents ‘The Dynasty’ to his alma mater
Benedict gives master class on storytelling

Jeff Benedict ‘91 visited Eastern Connecticut State University on March 5 to discuss “The Dynasty,” his nonfiction book-turned-television docuseries about the New England...

Posted on March 06, 2024 by Noel Teter

Warriors transcribe Black history at Douglass Day

This year’s Douglass Day Transcribe-a-Thon at Eastern Connecticut State University gave students, faculty and staff the opportunity to celebrate Black History month by transcribing historical...

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Kirchmann publishes 'Polish American Voices'
Book recounts 400 years of Polish immigrant history

Professor Emerita Anna Jaroszyńska-Kirchmann's new book, “Polish American Voices: A Documentary History, 1608-2020," compiles 145 documents of Polish American immigrants and...

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

ECSU Foundation gifts benefit 3 programs on campus

Three programs at Eastern Connecticut State University — in Connecticut history, career services and summer transition — will benefit from recent gifts to the ECSU Foundation.

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern undergrads present research at liberal arts conference

Eastern represents at regional liberal arts conference

Fifteen Eastern Connecticut State University students made the long drive to Mahwah, NJ, on Oct. 27 to present their research on topics ranging from history to coding. The presentations at the...

Posted on November 07, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Honors history students present at New England conference

The education of children in Japanese American relocation camps in the United States during World War II, and the threats posed to democracy by corporate interests near the turn of the 20th...

Posted on November 02, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Carenen gives history lesson on Arab-Israeli conflict

History Professor Caitlin Carenen presented on the historical context of the Israel-Hamas War during a heavily attended “flash talk” on Oct. 18 in the Science Building. Carenen...

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Michael Rouleau

More high school students earn credits at Eastern with dual enrollment

A growing number of high school students in Connecticut are enrolling in courses that can earn credits at Eastern Connecticut State University under a dual enrollment program that recently received...

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

History majors uncover lost relics in Willimantic Town Hall

Eastern history majors and members of the History Club uncovered centuries worth of historical documents in the top floors of the Willimantic Town Hall at the conclusion of the spring 2023 semester.

Posted on October 04, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Teaching a book’s history reveals another story
Emily Todd co-edits collection of essays

Emily Todd, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, has always been drawn to studying literature and history. She has combined the two interests in her new book, “Teaching the History of the...

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

History professor writes about New York City as the nation’s early capital

New York City’s brief tenure as the nation’s capital is the subject of an article by Thomas Balcerski, associate professor of history at Eastern Connecticut State University, in the new...

Posted on June 01, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

2 professors win Board of Regents awards for teaching, research

Two Eastern Connecticut State University faculty were recognized for excellence in teaching and research by the Connecticut Board of Regents in its annual faculty awards.

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

History website shows what Willimantic was like in 1910

The second phase of “Digital Windham,” a website created by historians at Eastern Connecticut State University went live on May 4 with new exhibits exploring what Willimantic was like...

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Internships lend real-world experience in spring 2023

Nearly 100 Eastern Connecticut State University students completed internships in the spring 2023 semester. Students explored a variety of opportunities on and off campus that related to their...

Posted on May 01, 2023 by Molly Boucher

Eastern hosts 'Humans and the Environment' symposium

Four Connecticut-based scholars described the ecological impacts and anthropogenic changes that humanity has had on the environment at a symposium at Eastern Connecticut State University on March 24.

Posted on April 05, 2023 by Jack Jones

Eastern hosts Douglass Day 'Transcribe-a-Thon'

Most people are likely to recognize Feb. 14 as Valentine’s Day. However, there is another occasion to be celebrated on this date: the birth of civil rights and anti-slavery activist Frederick...

Posted on February 16, 2023 by Noel Teter

Eastern history professor presents on legendary Virginia witch

For centuries, stories have been told around Halloween in the Virginia Beach area about the mysterious and mischievous Grace Sherwood, the “Witch of Pungo.” Eastern Connecticut State...

Posted on November 07, 2022 by Noel Teter

Elizabeth Bartoshevich completes her digital history project.

2 summer research fellows study digital history and computational chemistry

Two Eastern students spent their summer’s completing research fellowships under close faculty mentorship. Senior History major Elizabeth Bartoshevich continued a digital history project...

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

3 student papers awarded by Latin American and Caribbean Studies program
Papers investigate immigration and sexual diversity

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies program recognized three students in its 2022 annual Student Paper Awards. History major Max Turner ’22 won the top prize, whereas Sociology major...

Posted on July 26, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Historian Tom Balcerski appears in ‘The Book of Queer’

Thomas Balcerski, professor of history at Eastern Connecticut State University, appeared in the first episode of the Discovery+ mini-series “The Book of Queer,” premiering throughout...

Posted on June 08, 2022

History Department presents ‘Digital Windham’
Project captures Windham’s history online

The History Department at Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its grand opening presentation of “Digital Windham” on May 4 in Webb Hall. Digital Windham is the flagship project...

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Students reflect on spring 2022 internships

Eastern Connecticut State University students participated in both on-campus and off-campus internships during the spring 2022 semester. Internship locations ranged from Eastern’s Office of...

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Jacob Blain and Bobbi Brown

Abigail Donaghy in the show, the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Abigail Donaghy, an actress on the rise
Eastern student balances school with show business

Abigail Donaghy was 13 years old when her father brought her to an open audition in New York City that forever changed her life. Today, at 21, she is a full-time Eastern student who is managing a...

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Student's research grant funds tobacco history documentary project

Eastern Connecticut State University sophomore Eugene Bertrand was awarded an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Project Grant by Eastern’s Provost and Undergraduate Research...

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Understanding the war in Ukraine
Professors Moore and Carenen lend historical perspective

Two faculty members from the Department of History at Eastern Connecticut State University provided historical context on the war in Ukraine in a flash talk presentation on March 2. Professor Scott...

Posted on March 03, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Future Historians
An Eastern laboratory brings history into the digital age

The study of history is experiencing a renaissance. With the advent of new technologies, this timeless subject — long characterized by laborious research and lengthy essays — has...

Posted on March 02, 2022 by Michael Rouleau ’11

Burr Hall

As Eastern Connecticut State University’s oldest building, Burr Hall will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. But it is not just its seniority that makes the longstanding residence...

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

The Helena Miller Collection

During World War II, a number of students attending what was then the Willimantic State Teachers College (WSTC) left campus to join the Armed Forces. While the students were away at war, professor...

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Balcerski’s presidential presentations reach audiences nationwide

Thomas Balcerski, associate professor of history at Eastern, is a highly acclaimed presidential historian, CNN contributor and author of “Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan...

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern students teach of The Amistad’s journey to freedom
Partnership with Discovering Amistad serves Hartford-area middle, high schoolers

Eight students from Eastern Connecticut State University are working with Discovering Amistad this September and October, teaching Hartford-area middle and high school students about the famed...

Posted on September 21, 2021 by Michael Rouleau