Skip to content Where Legends Are Made

Author: John Ratliff

Profile picture of John Ratliff

Posts by John Ratliff

History Well Represented at Phi Beta Kappa Induction

On Friday, April 5, the Alpha of Alabama chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was pleased to induct 100 new members as a part of its 2024 cohort, among them 19 History students—15 majors and 4 minors. UA History alumna and Phi Beta Kappa member Martha Griffith, Director of Special Projects for University President Dr. Stuart Bell, introduced the inductees to the storied history, symbolism, and ceremony of Phi Beta Kappa, as well as the long history of Alabama’s own chapter, established in 1851. Dean Joseph Messina of the College […]

Read More from History Well Represented at Phi Beta Kappa Induction

Supporting the Department

The extent and quality of the activities sponsored by the Department of History depends in large measure on our available funds and the generous support of donors. Endowments or significant targeted donations will enable us to increase our national visibility, expand our production of nationally-recognized scholarship, and to grow History programming and events. Naming opportunities are possible in conjunction with such gifts. For more information about any of the opportunities to support The University of Alabama Department of History, please […]

Read More from Supporting the Department

Thank You to Our Patrons and the Friends of History

Mr. William Garnett (Bill) AndersonDr. Edwin C. BridgesMr. Paul W. Bryant,  Jr.Mr. Tranum FitzpatrickMr. Olin B. KingDr. F. David MathewsMr. Chris McIlwainDr. Donald R. NobleMr. John T. Oliver, Jr.Dr. Cathy RandallMr. Cleophus Thomas, Jr.Dr. Earl Tilford Dr. Bianca L. AdairMr. and Mrs. Stephen R. AveraThe Honorable Quentin Q. Brown Jr.Mr. George B. ChildressDr. Angela J. CooleyDr. Lesley J. GordonDr. Jonathon W. HooksMs. Samaria JohnsonDr. Kari A. FredericksonDr. Michael J. MendleDr. Robert F. OlinMr. Kevin OwsleyMrs. Dawn OwsleyMr. and Mrs. George […]

Read More from Thank You to Our Patrons and the Friends of History

UA Hosts 16th Annual Southeastern German Studies Conference

On February 22-23, The University of Alabama and the Department of History hosted the 16th Annual Southeastern German Studies Conference. The event, held in cooperation with UAB and UAH, brought together scholars and students in all disciplines who share interest in the language, literature, history, and culture of the German-speaking lands. Attendees hailed not only from the Southeast but from Georgetown, Stanford, and Illinois in the US, and Mexico and the United Kingdom internationally. The workshop focused on three large […]

Read More from UA Hosts 16th Annual Southeastern German Studies Conference

Department Hosts Two-Day, International Conference on US & UK Military Leadership Since 1812

In October 2023, The University of Alabama’s Department of History hosted a two-day conference called “Ways of War, Ways of Peace: American and British Military Leadership from 1812.” More than twenty panelists from across the United States and the United Kingdom discussed leadership and command in the armed forces; differing national leadership approaches taken by the US and British military; lessons learned from war and peace; and what endures through history in preparation for war and when warfighting. Across these […]

Read More from Department Hosts Two-Day, International Conference on US & UK Military Leadership Since 1812

Capstone Conference Showcases Undergraduate Research

The Undergraduate Historical Society held its 4th annual Capstone Conference on April 6, 2024. This annual event gives undergraduates an opportunity to present original research on a wide range of topics in a supportive environment. The conference is just one of several initiatives the Department has developed over the years to showcase and promote undergraduate research. The conference is a great opportunity for undergraduates to further develop their analytical and presentation skills. Students who have participated in the conference have […]

Read More from Capstone Conference Showcases Undergraduate Research

Summersell Center Presses Forward on Multiple Fronts

The Frances S. Summersell Center for the Study of the South launched a series of new initiatives during the 2023-2024 academic year that continue to build on student ideas and leadership. Dr. John Giggie was awarded a CARSCA grant to fund efforts in the digital humanities for the Alabama Memory Project. Last summer, Dr. Giggie and Vivian Malone Fellow and doctoral student Isabella Garrison led a team of nine students in the creation of a new digital archive to hold […]

Read More from Summersell Center Presses Forward on Multiple Fronts

Doctoral Student & Husband Endow Support Fund

The White House Historical Association (WHHA) was founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to protect and preserve the history of the Executive Mansion. In more recent years, The University of Alabama’s Department of History has formed a strong partnership with the WHHA through the creation of a summer internship program founded by the association’s president, Stewart McLaurin, who is a 1981 graduate of the department. In 2023, Dawn Wiley, a doctoral student studying with Dr. Joshua Rothman, was […]

Read More from Doctoral Student & Husband Endow Support Fund

2024 Graduate Honors

David ParkerFrank Lawrence Owsley Memorial Scholarshipfor Superior Competency in American History Andrew DeatonAlbert Burton Moore Memorial Awardfor Outstanding Graduate Student in European, Latin American, or Asian History Brian MartinGary B. Mills Endowed Dissertation Support Fund Trace BruscoChristopher G. Swindle Teaching AwardAwarded to the most outstanding graduate student teacher in the department. Alyssa AllenMasters Student Teaching AwardAwarded to the most outstanding MA student teacher in the department. Return to Historically Speaking Table of Contents

Read More from 2024 Graduate Honors

2024 Undergraduate Honors

Awards The Lee David and Florence Weinberg Black Scholarship in HistoryHallie BrillOlivia WomackJohn Richardson The Russell Bryant ScholarshipBenjamin HolmanShawn White The Charles Grayson Summersell Memorial Scholarship for Most Distinguished Undergraduate in HistoryMary PayneSarah Jaggears The Howard Jones Endowed ScholarshipBelle JohnstonMariska PerdickBrian SzczotkaLauren HudsonBradley Chase Fuller The Charles Grayson Summersell Memorial Scholarship in HistoryMary Olivia DudleyWill Morris The National Society of the Colonial Dames in the State of Alabama Essay AwardDaniel Stein Departmental Undergraduate Book PrizeEmily Adcock Undergraduate Honors Theses Jordan […]

Read More from 2024 Undergraduate Honors

Junior Kate Herndon Wins the 2024 John Fraser Ramsey Award

Newburyport, Massachusetts, native and History major Kate Herndon is the 2024 recipient of the John Fraser Ramsey Award, The University of Alabama’s highest student honor. Herndon is also The University of Alabama’s first-ever recipient of the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Her volunteer endeavours focus on women, children and senior citizens; her academic research explores the lessons of the past to better understand and shape current policies and laws. She is heavily involved with the Women and Gender Resource Center […]

Read More from Junior Kate Herndon Wins the 2024 John Fraser Ramsey Award

Remembering Morta Cates Riggs

May 6, 1964 – November 24, 2023 Beloved friend and Department of History colleague Morta Cates Riggs passed away at her home on November 24, 2023, following a long battle with cancer. Morta had served the department as an Office Associate since 2014 and her husband, J.C. Riggs, was a doctoral student in the department. Morta was born and raised in Evansville, IN. She met J.C. in high school in 1983; the couple was married on August 26, 1989. J.C. […]

Read More from Remembering Morta Cates Riggs

From the Chair

Welcome to the Spring 2024 newsletter from the Department of History. It has been an unusually busy semester in the halls of ten Hoor, and as we come into the home stretch in the aftermath of Spring Break and begin looking toward the summer, we have a great deal to trumpet and celebrate. Since the publication of the last edition of the newsletter, we have hosted numerous successful and well-attended conferences, speaker visits, and events, and we look forward to […]

Read More from From the Chair

Students and Faculty Tour Shiloh National Military Park

On March 1, 2024, Dr. Lesley J. Gordon, along with fellow Civil War historians Dr. Susannah Ural and Dr. Timothy B. Smith, coordinated a staff ride to Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee. UA history undergraduate and graduate students, along with UA and Mississippi State Army ROTC cadets, officers, and MSU graduate students, toured the battlefield to learn about Civil War tactics, command, and enduring lessons of leadership. Staff rides and battlefield tours help students and cadets understand key concepts […]

Read More from Students and Faculty Tour Shiloh National Military Park