Bridgewater College: History and Political Science Department

05/18/2026

Faculty Spotlight!
Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Kevin Pallister recently discussed the latest Guatemalan presidential elections. In his talk, he offered a timely perspective on global politics, reminding us that even for democracies in peril, "sometimes there is still hope."

Read the full feature in the Daily News-Record -https://www.dnronline.com/news/elections/there-is-still-hope-for-democracies-in-peril-bridgewater-college-professor-says/article_31de44de-0619-5541-8f97-764ffa8590db.html

One of the takeaways from Bridgewater College Kevin Pallister's recent talk on Guatemalan elections is that even for democracies in peril, sometimes there is still hope.

05/04/2026

Congrats to all graduates - and happy summer (or May Term), everyone!

04/22/2026

So proud to see the incredible work coming out of ASPIRE 2026! 🎓✨

It’s one thing to read about history in a textbook, but seeing students in our courses dive deep into research is what hands-on learning is all about. Congrats to all the presenters who shared their passion and hard work!

04/20/2026

Happening today at 5pm! Come swing by and hang out with student majors/minors and department faculty.

04/17/2026

History major Josh Payne '26 successfully defended his honors thesis project, "The Legend of Emanuel Loewner 'Cap' Klingstein: The Al Capone of the Shenandoah Valley?" Dr. Scott Suter, Professor of English served as committee chair. Other members of the committee included Dr. Martin Kalb and Dr. Maria Paz Esguerra in the Department of History and Political Science. Josh is also an American Studies and Communication Studies Minor.

04/16/2026

Check out this new exhibit at the Bridgewater Historical Society!

Bridgewater College Special Collections intern Sebastian Kochall '26 and Special Collections Librarian Stephanie Gardner installed a temporary exhibit about Bridgewater College's history in Bridgewater's Old Town Hall/ Historical Society yesterday. Visit to see a campus history video created by Sebastian and fun BC memorabilia selected by Special Collections volunteer Jadaya Hollins '27 and Stephanie!

04/08/2026

Students in HIST 431 examine the evolving meaning of the U.S. West through interdisciplinary case studies spanning exploration narratives, legal history, cultural production, and environmental policy.

"Reimagining the U.S. West: Power, Culture, and Identity Across Time"
Wed Apr 8 – 2:45–4:00 PM — FLC 217
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Maria Paz Esguerra

Presentation Titles:
•Jory Cardoza, “Duncan v. Kahanamoku: The Zeitgeist of Hawaiian Martial Law”
•Jeferson Contreras, “The Birth of Rap: West Coast Rap’s Development Against All Odds in the 1980s–1990s”
•Grace Elder, “Western United States Marriage Advertisements: Breaking Gender Barriers in the 1870s”
•Shelby Herrold, “‘For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People’: America’s Relationship with Yellowstone in the Late 19th Century”
•Dominic Lancey, “The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Success or Failure for American Trade”

04/07/2026

Special Collections Librarian Stephanie S. Gardner along with BC students Sebastian S. Kochall and Jadaya Hollins will present on "Curating 'Global Eagles'" this Wednesday, 4/8, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Dr. Yuka Kishida will moderate the panel.

Student Discussion Panel: "Curating 'Global Eagles': An Exhibit to Remember and Honor Bridgewater College’s International Students"
Forrer Learning Commons Lower Level

An exhibit that is currently on display in the lower level of Bridgewater College’s Forrer Learning Commons celebrates the history and contributions of the school’s international student body from 1889

04/06/2026

Happening all week! We have a number of History and Political Science student majors and minors as well as faculty members presenting original research at ASPIRE: A Celebration of the Arts, Scholarship, Performance, Innovation and Research Excellence.

ASPIRE: Arts, Scholarship, Performance, Innovation and Research Excellence. A week showcasing the accomplishments of students and faculty in all areas of study.

03/26/2026

Way to go, Sav! From history and political science classrooms to national natural landmarks - we love seeing our alumni in the field.

Join us in celebrating Sav as she paves the way for the next generation of nonprofit leaders!