Support the Contemporary History Institute

Ohio University’s Contemporary History Institute has enhanced the experience of MA and Ph.D. students in History, Journalism and Mass Communication, Political Science, International Studies, and Economics for well over three decades.

Our students have written outstanding theses and dissertations on the basis of archival research, often painstakingly assembling records in multiple locations in the U.S. and overseas. That process, and sometimes also the acquisition of critical language skills, is expensive and CHI has always been a go-to resource, able to provide grants for these endeavors. 

We have seen terrific results: our alumni have built impactful careers in the academy (as teachers, scholars, and administrators), government service, the military, think tanks, the business world, and in various other fields where the research and intellectual skills of the humanities and social sciences are essential. Most work in the U.S., but others are in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. 

Collectively, our alumni have published at least 100 books, and many are among the leading experts in their fields, frequently weighing in on crucial and pressing questions in public policy.

We need your help to continue the support of our students. Any donation amount would be welcome and greatly appreciated.

Specifically, we hope to fund up to 8 research/language training grants (of up to $1,500 each) this spring semester so as to allow more of our current students to travel to archives (or, in times of COVID, to purchase critical source materials) and participate in summer language programs (which are most likely going to be virtual but no less costly or critical to their success).

Student Spotlight

Heather Salazar is a Ph.D. candidate in History at Ohio University while working as a Veterans Policy Analyst with the Domestic & Social Policy Division of Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress. She is working on writing her dissertation on the U.S. - Grenadian relationship and the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada. She hopes to defend her dissertation and graduate by December 2021. Photo details (1 & 2) Grenada when she presented at a conference there, conducted research, and was asked to provide a talk through the National Museum. They had a display of her research in the museum for about a year; (3 & 4) At the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library when she traveled there to conduct research in May 2018.

We need your help to continue supporting students like Heather. 

Please give today in support of CHI's mission: to train and educate MA and PhD students, shape the campus conversation, and engage the wider community.

Although this campaign has concluded, it's easy to give to Ohio University and support the Contemporary History Institute fund.