History Comes to Life at High School History Day 2025

February 25, 2025

By Diana CorredorGroup of volunteers Group of volunteers (Pictures by Kara Brown/Department of History )

On February 20, 2025, the History Department at Western University welcomed local high school students for an unforgettable day of learning, discovery, and engagement. High School History Day, an annual tradition since 2017, once again transformed history from a subject in textbooks to a dynamic exploration of the past’s enduring impact on the present.

With over 20 interactive workshops and lectures led by Western’s distinguished faculty, students in grades 10-12 had the opportunity to step into the shoes of historians, questioning, analyzing, and uncovering the layers of history in fresh and exciting ways. This event is designed not just to educate but to inspire—showing students that history is not just about what happened, but about how we continue to interpret and engage with it today.

Exploring the Past Through Engaging Sessions

StudentsThe day featured a diverse range of topics that highlighted history’s depth and relevance. From "The Black Death of 1348" with Professor Mitch Hammond, which explored how historians and scientists are reinterpreting the great medieval pandemic, to "History and Artificial Intelligence" with Professor Bill Turkel, which examined AI’s emerging role in historical research, students were given new ways to see how history is both evolving and essential.

For those interested in the intersection of history and popular culture, "Canuck Sounds: Canadian Popular Music from the ‘45 to Spotify" with Professor Peter Krats provided a fascinating journey through the sounds that have shaped Canadian identity. Meanwhile, "Public History: Turning Your Love for History into a Great Career" with Professor Michelle Hamilton introduced students to the many ways historical studies can lead to exciting careers in museums, film, and digital storytelling.

Hands-On Learning Through Tutorials

InstructorsBeyond lectures, students had the chance to engage in hands-on workshops that brought historical inquiry to life. In "Letters from the Front: Exploring Wartime Lives," Kristen Jeanveau guided students through the personal letters of a Londoner serving in the Second World War, making history deeply personal and real. Olivia Holland’s "’At Rest’: The Life and Death of Private Edward Martin Robert" used historical artifacts to tell the story of a young soldier, demonstrating how even the smallest remnants of the past can hold powerful narratives.

Other sessions, such as "Metal Detecting vs Relic Hunting" with Kara Brown and "Finding History in Unmarked Graves" with Rebecca Small, showcased the importance of ethical historical research and how new discoveries continue to shape our understanding of the past.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Historians

StudentsThe event was a testament to the dedication of Western’s faculty, including event organizer Professor Rob MacDougall, and esteemed professors like Eli Nathans, Cody Groat, Scott MacGregor, Taylor Northwood, Heather Ellis, Natasha Hall, Malcolm Tatic, Huanyu Li, Anna Lalli, Jonathan F. Vance, Jennifer Baker, and Mike Dove, who all contributed to making the day a success. Their expertise and passion for history resonated with students, many of whom left with a newfound appreciation for the subject—and perhaps even the ambition to pursue history at the university level.

 

As one student remarked, “I never realized history could be so relevant and exciting”

For teachers and parents, the event was a valuable opportunity to show students that history is not just about memorizing dates—it’s about asking questions, making connections, and understanding how our world has been shaped over time.

Looking Ahead

With another successful High School History Day behind us, Western University’s History Department continues to build bridges between academic scholarship and the community. As history continues to unfold, so too does the way we study it, ensuring that the past remains as compelling and vital as ever.

For more information on future events and opportunities, visit Western University’s History Department.