Academic Programs
Staff members at CWI oversee two academic minors: Civil War Era Studies and Public History. Both programs integrate classroom experiences and experiential learning with the power of place, making use of the battlefield landscape & the local public history community as a learning laboratory. Faculty based in the Institute are broadly engaged across campus, regularly collaborating with partners such Special Collections & College Archives, Musselman Library, Schmucker Art Gallery, the Eisenhower Institute, and Center for Public Service.
Experiential & Professional Development Programs for Students
CWI’s experiential programs equip students with the tools necessary to work on the frontlines of history and pursue professions that value communication, collaboration, and leadership. Paid internship & fellowship programs provide real-world opportunities to practice historical thinking skills and develop a professional skillset, opening new career vistas for exploration. Career mentorship expands students’ professional networks and provides field-specific guidance for resume and cover letter design, interview preparation, and navigating a job search. CWI also serves pre-college students with a passion for history, offering an exciting program for high school students as part of its annual summer conference.
Learn More About Our Experiential & Professional Development Programs
Public Programs
From its earliest days, CWI has served audiences well beyond the college campus through its commitment to providing vibrant public programming about the history and legacy of the Civil War era. Anchor programs include the annual CWI Summer Conference, held onsite each year in June, and the Robert Fortenbaugh Memorial Lecture commemorating the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. These core programs are supplemented by a host of short-term or revolving opportunities, ranging from virtual conversations to digital initiatives and special onsite programs.
