Don’t we already

know what

happened?

New American History Logo Textured

Welcome to New American History and to the launch of our brand-new website. Each month, you’ll receive a short email from us, keeping you up to date with exciting new initiatives from New American History and the greater public history world.

Our new site features work from our core projects, Bunk and American Panorama, along with learning resources for K-12 educators that grow out of those projects. Through the site, we invite you to uncover history through eras and across locations throughout the United States.

As some of you know, I’ve been involved with another long-running public history project called BackStory. A few weeks ago, we announced the bittersweet news that we’ll soon be winding down production of that podcast. It’s been a great run, and I’m pleased to let you know that the decade-long archive of the show will now be a part of the mix at New American History.

I’m also excited about our latest public media venture: a PBS series that visits places where people are wrestling with challenging parts of United States history. You can stream the first season now at The Future of America’s Past, and watch season two on your local PBS station starting in April. And you can expect to see highlights from this ongoing project at New American History as well.

So, I invite you to spend some time exploring our new website. We’re very proud of it, and we look forward to building it out with more content in the months to come.

I believe deeply in the good and necessary work history can do. We are gratified that you’ve chosen to join us on this journey. Share this newsletter with friends and encourage them to sign up, and let us know about your first impressions of New American History. Talk soon!

— Ed Ayers

Executive Director, New American History

Explore New American History
The History of History

Explore how historians and history educators have approached key themes in the American past with this dynamic exhibit.

Bunk
Don’t We Already Know What Happened?

Ed Ayers ponders the need for a new American history.

Medium
Telling Stories About the Past

In this episode, the hosts discuss highlights in historical fiction from the past year.

BackStory
Journey to the Front Lines of American History

Watch the trailer for the first season of Ed Ayers’ new PBS series.

The Future of America’s Past
The Black Radical You’ve Never Heard Of

Discover this classroom-ready resource about a man who changed black history and has been largely forgotten.

Learning Resources

“What’s true is more interesting than something made up—if you can unlock it.”

— Ed Ayers

Telling Stories About the Past

BackStory