Make History Come Alive.
Being in the historical district of Wilkes-Barre, you might think that Wilkes is an ideal location for learning about and sharing history. You would be right. But aside from the unique opportunities afforded to history majors at Wilkes, you’ll find a department rich in historical expertise that spans time periods and continents.

With the Luzerne County Historical Society just...
one block away, the Steamtown National Historical Site nearby, numerous state historical sites in the area, and study abroad possibilities, students can meld on-campus experiences with off-campus experiences.

Wilkes students have organized the archives for the American Red Cross, produced an historical documentary for local television, and brought their skills in writing and research to internships in legal services organizations. Recent graduates have pursued careers ranging from college professor to university librarian to law.

Our actively publishing faculty...
bring their passions into the classroom. Dr. Joel Berlatsky is currently working on a study of Nicholas Heath, Lord Chancellor of England under Queen Mary.

Dr. John Hepp's first book, The Middle-Class City: Transforming Time and Space in Philadelphia, 1876-1926, was published in 2003 by the University of Pennsylvania Press. (Dr. Hepp also received the Carpenter Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2003.)

Dr. Dennis Hupchick is a leading scholar on the Balkans; his most recent book is The Balkans: From Constantinople to Communism.

Dr. Dianne Wenger is currently revising a book-length manuscript on rural storekeeping and inland commerce in the mid-Atlantic during the early republic years and her article on the same subject appeared in the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography in January 2005.

These are not your father's history classes.
While Wilkes offers a strong foundation in the traditional history courses, courses that cover progressive topics such as Islam, Material Culture, and American Women's History are options for our students.

The department also offers specialized pre-law and business advising, and has an established chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society.