History News Network: Bridging the Gap Between Past and Present
The History News Network (HNN) serves as a vital online bridge, allowing professional historians to analyze current events through a historical lens. By placing today's headlines into a broader historical perspective, HNN helps the public understand the roots and trajectories of modern global developments.
Operating as a non-profit corporation registered in Washington, D.C., HNN has evolved from a specialized platform into a significant component of the digital humanities landscape.
Key Facts
- Founder: Richard Shenkman, author of Legends, Lies & Cherished Myths of World History.
- Current Host: University of Richmond (since December 2023).
- Current Managing Editor: Tony Field (as of February 2025).
- Integration: Now part of the "Bunk" public history project tool.
- Purpose: Providing historical commentary on contemporary news.
Organizational Evolution and Leadership
HNN was established by Richard Shenkman, who led the network as editor until his retirement in 2019. Under his leadership, the platform expanded its reach by sponsoring various history-oriented blogs, including those by Jim Loewen and Liberty and Power, which was coordinated by David T. Beito. Additionally, Murray Polner served as the network's long-time book editor.
The management of the network has transitioned through several prestigious academic institutions. Initially hosted by George Mason University, it moved to George Washington University in 2017. Following Shenkman's retirement in 2019, the George Washington University Department of History took full responsibility for its operation and editing.
In December 2023, the University of Richmond acquired History News Network. This acquisition integrated HNN into the university's Digital Humanities ecosystem—a field that uses computational tools to study humanities subjects—specifically through its public history project tool known as "Bunk".
Notable Activities and Controversies
Beyond its daily commentary, HNN has engaged in provocative efforts to highlight historical inaccuracies. In 2012, the network celebrated Independence Day by hosting a contest to identify the worst books about American history ever published.
The list of nominees included several high-profile works, such as:
- The Jefferson Lies by David Barton
- Arming America by Michael Bellesiles
- 1421: The Year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies
- Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend by Richard G. Williams
- A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
The contest saw significant engagement, with over 1,000 readers casting their votes, ultimately selecting the works of David Barton and Howard Zinn as the worst.
| Period | Hosting/Managing Institution | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Phase | George Mason University | Foundation and early growth |
| 2017 – 2023 | George Washington University | Department of History assumed full operation in 2019 |
| December 2023 – Present | University of Richmond | Integration into "Bunk" ecosystem |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the History News Network?
The primary goal of HNN is to provide a platform where historians can comment on current events and place modern news into a historical perspective for the general public.
Who founded the History News Network?
HNN was founded by Richard Shenkman, the author of Legends, Lies & Cherished Myths of World History, who served as editor until 2019.
Which university currently hosts HNN?
As of December 2023, the University of Richmond hosts HNN, integrating it into their digital humanities framework via the tool "Bunk".
Who is the current managing editor of HNN?
As of February 2025, Tony Field serves as the managing editor of the network.
What was the "worst history books" contest?
In 2012, HNN held a reader-voted contest to find the worst books on American history, with David Barton and Howard Zinn receiving the most votes from over 1,000 participants.