BA in History - Public History in Romeoville United States | Lewis University

At Lewis University, history students develop the ability to recognize and examine evolving human systems across political, economic, cultural, religious, philosophical, scientific, and social dimensions. Graduates emerge with highly valued professional competencies including effective communication, analytical reasoning, and creative problem-solving.
The Public History specialization equips students for advanced graduate study or careers in museum curation, archival management, and historical preservation. These professionals play a vital societal role by safeguarding cultural heritage, exemplified by Lewis University's own Adelmann Regional History Collection. This unique repository conserves invaluable regional artifacts including I&M Canal-era maps, photographs, and historical records.
Public History majors complete mandatory experiential learning through workshops and internships. These immersive experiences feature site visits, artifact handling, and evaluative writing assignments. Partner institutions like the First Division Museum and Joliet Area Historical Museum have consistently praised our interns' performance and research contributions. Students compile a comprehensive Public History Portfolio containing at least three evaluated reports from these experiences, submitted to the department chair.
Lewis' Public History program provides exceptional preparation for graduate studies and professional practice in heritage preservation. Our campus houses the Canal & Regional History Special Collection, offering direct access to primary sources documenting the I&M Canal's development. Through hands-on work with these materials and off-site training opportunities, students gain practical skills to protect historical memory and shape cultural understanding for generations to come.