Sklar: A Legacy of U.S. Women's History
The study of American history is enriched by scholars who dedicate their lives to uncovering the overlooked narratives of the past. One such figure is Sklar, a distinguished historian whose academic journey and research have significantly advanced the understanding of women's roles in social movements within the United States.
Academic Foundations
Born on December 26, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio, Sklar established a rigorous academic foundation early in her career. She attended Harvard College and Radcliffe College, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in history and literature.
Following her undergraduate success, she pursued advanced studies at the University of Michigan. She earned a Master of Arts in 1967 and a Ph.D. in 1969, specializing in U.S. and comparative history—the study of history across different nations or cultures to identify patterns and differences.
Professional Career and Teaching
Sklar began her professional teaching career at the University of Michigan, serving as a lecturer and assistant professor from 1969 to 1974. She then transitioned to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), where she rose through the ranks from Associate Professor (1974–1981) to Professor of History (1981–1988).
During her tenure at UCLA, Sklar demonstrated her commitment to pedagogy by creating the "Workshop on Teaching U.S. Women's History," providing essential tools for educators to integrate women's narratives into the curriculum.
From 1988 to 2012, she served as a Distinguished Professor of History at Binghamton University. Upon her retirement in 2012, she was named a Distinguished Professor Emerita, a title granted to retired professors to honor their distinguished service.
The Women in Social Movements Project
In 1997, Sklar received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to launch the Women in Social Movements in the United States 1600-2000 project. What began as a senior seminar at Binghamton University evolved into one of the most prominent online resources for the study of U.S. women's history.
The digital archive features over one hundred document projects. In collaboration with historian Thomas Dublin, Sklar continues to release biannual editions of new document projects and full-text sources, ensuring the resource remains current and comprehensive for researchers worldwide.
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International Recognition and Later Life
Sklar's expertise gained international recognition when she was appointed the Harmsworth Professor of U.S. History at Oxford University from 2005 to 2006.
Currently, Sklar resides in Berkeley, California, with her partner, historian Thomas Dublin.
Key Facts
- Education: BA from Harvard/Radcliffe; MA and PhD from University of Michigan.
- Academic Roles: Held professorships at University of Michigan, UCLA, Binghamton University, and Oxford University.
- Major Contribution: Founded the "Women in Social Movements in the United States 1600-2000" online project.
- Collaboration: Works closely with historian Thomas Dublin on historical document projects.
- Honors: Named Distinguished Professor Emerita at Binghamton University in 2012.
| Period | Institution/Role | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Harvard/Radcliffe | BA in History and Literature (Magna Cum Laude) |
| 1969 | University of Michigan | Ph.D. in U.S. and Comparative History |
| 1974–1988 | UCLA | Created Workshop on Teaching U.S. Women's History |
| 1988–2012 | Binghamton University | Distinguished Professor of History |
| 1997–Present | NEH Grant Project | Women in Social Movements in the United States 1600-2000 |
| 2005–2006 | Oxford University | Harmsworth Professor of U.S. History |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Women in Social Movements in the United States 1600-2000 project?
It is a premier online resource for studying U.S. women's history, featuring over one hundred document projects and full-text sources, originally started as a senior seminar at Binghamton University.
Where did Sklar earn her doctoral degree?
Sklar earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1969, focusing on U.S. and comparative history.
Which international university did Sklar teach at?
Sklar served as the Harmsworth Professor of U.S. History at Oxford University from 2005 to 2006.
Who is Thomas Dublin?
Thomas Dublin is a historian and the partner of Sklar; the two collaborate on releasing biannual editions of document projects for the study of women's history.
What was Sklar's contribution to UCLA?
While at UCLA, Sklar created the "Workshop on Teaching U.S. Women's History" to assist in the education of women's historical narratives.