The National Endowment for the Humanities recently awarded a $74,990 development grant for the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities radio show, “BackStory with the American History Guys.” History Prof. Peter Onuf, Assoc. History Prof. Brian Balogh and former College Dean Ed Ayers host the program, which uses history to interpret and explain current events.
“We try to discuss topics that are in the headlines today but that have historical resonance,” Balogh said. “For instance, we talked about environment crises, and of course talked about climate change, but quickly found ourselves talking about land depletion because of cotton and tobacco in the 19th century in the south.”
Executive Producer Andrew Wyndham said he and Ayers began discussing the show in 2005 and originally received funding through the Harrison Fund for the President’s Initiatives at the University. The NEH grant, provided to “BackStory” through the endowment’s “Grants for America’s Media Makers” program, will help the show continue taking its innovative approach to discussions about American history, according to a University press release.
According to the press release, “BackStory” is now considered a “We the People” project. A project like the professor-hosted radio program “encourages and strengthens the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture through the support of projects that explore significant events and themes in our nation’s history and culture and that advance knowledge of the principles that define America,” acting NEH Chairman Carole M. Watson stated in the release.
Having received the new award, both Wyndham and Balough said they were confident in the program’s potential to grow and continue educating listeners. Since the first broadcast, 25 stations in 16 states have aired the show, Wyndham said.
“We think this program is ideal for college students who didn’t like their high school history courses but want to take another crack at learning history,” Balough said.
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