We had the pleasure of chatting with second year public history MA student Julie Rogers about her experiences both in and out of the classroom. Julie hails from Wisconsin, completed her bachelors at the University of Wisconsin, and worked at the Atlantic before joining the program in fall 2013. She is set to graduate this summer with her public history degree and may be moving on to a history PhD.

How did you get into history?

History was always my favorite subject in school because I loved to read and to use my imagination. As an undergraduate student, I fell in love with history all over again. I had the opportunity to do primary source research at archives including the Wisconsin State Historical Society and the African Studies Library at the University of Cape Town. I love holding a piece of the past in my hands and asking questions about its meaning and significance.

Since you worked for several years between undergrad and grad, what about your work experience helped you in grad school and what was difficult about being back in the classroom?

I worked in publishing for several years between undergrad and grad school. Going back to school was a big adjustment at first. I had to re-familiarize myself with everything from late-night studying sessions to academic writing. But I think that my professional skills and experience prepared me very well for graduate school, especially for tasks outside of the classroom like time management and networking.

What did you learn about public history that you didn’t expect when you started?

I was surprised by the sheer breadth of the field. Public historians work in museums, libraries, archives, but they also are historic preservationists, artists, costumed interpreters, performers, and community activists. In my opinion, this is what makes public history so exciting.

Which course has been the most influential?

My first semester I took a course called The Historian’s Craft with Professor Eileen Findlay. The class was a chance to reflect on the craft and practice of history and to build a community of scholars. It was a great introduction to the program.

What has been the highlight of your time at AU?

As a Public History Fellow at the White House Historical Association, I had the chance to visit the White House and shake hands with First Lady Michelle Obama. She even asked me about public history!

What do you plan on doing next?

I hope to earn a PhD and work as a curator or historian at a cultural institution here in Washington, D.C.

What advice do you have for people considering a degree in public history?

My academic studies at AU have been greatly enhanced by my work outside of the classroom. In the past year and a half, I have worked with the National Archives, the National Park Service, the Library of Congress, and the White House Historical Association. So be prepared to get off campus and make the most of the fabulous opportunities here in D.C.

What is your favorite movie that portrays an historical moment?

I have to go with Back to the Future. It might not seem like a “history” movie, but it makes brilliant use of material culture in the scenes set in 1955. It also makes me think about the portrayal of the past and about the difference between ‘what happened’ and ‘what we say happened.’ Also, I love anything related to time-travel.