History students at Eastern Connecticut State University and visiting students from other Connecticut State Universities (CSUs) presented research at the CSU Making History Conference on March 28 in the Student Center. The conference was broken into sessions that covered legacies of oppression, domestic/international crises, documenting/reinterpreting the past, and other topics.

“The CSU Making History Conference was an awe-inspiring day of presentations, networking, and learning,” said history Professor Thomas Balcerski, the event’s coordinator. “It also served as a powerful reminder of why we value the study of the past in our own uncertain times.” 

In his opening remarks, Eastern President Karim Ismaili commended the participating students for choosing history as their academic path and highlighting the importance of studying the past. 

“I’ve come to realize how important history is ... topics of the past resonate today," said Ismaili. "Understanding history helps us understand the present and prepare for the future."

Senior history and elementary education major Delaney Kudron presented her work on former first lady Abigail Adams, a project that she had previously explored in one of Balcerski’s classes. This was the first historical conference she had ever participated in. 

“It was great to see so many people who share a common interest be given the opportunity to talk about the different aspects of history that interest them,” said Kudron. “Being able to present on a topic that I am passionate about to a wider audience was truly a great experience.”

Senior history major Emma McCormack presented her research on the Iranian hostage crisis and a defense of Jimmy Carter’s presidency. She also underscored the importance of undergraduate students having a voice in historical conversations through open-ended conferences. 

“People often blame Carter for the (Iranian hostage) crisis, which had a huge influence over the 1980 election, which he lost to (Ronald) Reagan,” she said. “My paper reexamines the hostage crisis through the lens of the Cold War and centuries of imperial conquest and influence in Iran. Jimmy Carter inherited an already messy situation.” 

She continued: “Prof. Balcerski did an amazing job organizing the event and I was honored to present. Undergraduate students having these experiences is so important because it makes academia and scholarship accessible and includes undergrads in the conversation.” 

Junior history and secondary education major Daniel Silvester shared his paper on the Roman general Hannibal and his use of elephants in warfare. He highlighted the question-and-answer sessions following each panel as especially engaging. 

“My panel that I presented my research at was a great experience, especially with the questions that many of the attendants asked me,” said Silvester. “I got to listen to and see wonderful research conducted by other students here at Eastern and at the other three CSUs. Overall, it was an informative time, and I recommend people to attend any type of conference as an undergrad.” 

Senior history major Nathaniel Hayes showcased his research on the history of American board games, a personal passion project that he emphasized through visual analyses of the games and through singing the “Game of Life” TV jingle. 

“All the presenters had an infectious enthusiasm for their presentations that I personally understand was the culmination of weeks of research and dedication,” said Hayes. “I’m especially glad that everyone showed interest in my presentation on the history of American board games. It was an amazing opportunity to present my research and share my interests with my peers.”

The CSU Making History Conference was sponsored by Eastern’s Department of History, Center for Connecticut Studies, School of Arts and Sciences, and Provost’s Office.