For Halloween this year, the History Club is taking a trip to Salem, Mass., site of the notorious 17th century witch trials. It\u2019s part of a schedule of activities intended to engage not only history majors but all those in the University community with an interest in history.<\/p>\n
Every Wednesday, club members get together with other history fanatics and debate historical topics, such as \u201cWhat is your favorite historical conflict?\u201d or \u201cWho\u2019s the bloodiest person in history?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe debate is between Vladimir Dracula, the man behind the inspiration for Count Dracula and, of course, Jack the Ripper,\u201d says John Keating, a junior history major and co-president of the History Club in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.<\/p>\n
The club, which had been defunct for years, was resurrected by UConn alumna Laurie Wilbur with encouragement from Sherri Olson, associate professor of history, who is now the club\u2019s adviser.<\/p>\n
Activities designed to keep members interested include not only debates, and trips to historical sites \u2013 such as this week\u2019s trip to Salem, but watching movies that pertain to history.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have pretty decent attendance and a lot of committed people,\u201d says Kevin Kappel, also a junior history major and co-president of the History Club.<\/p>\n
Last year, the club also got involved with the mission to save the Mark Twain House. After hearing that the historical site was experiencing some financial trouble, the club began hosting bake sales and raised $500.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great achievement, and everybody at the Mark Twain House appreciated our efforts,\u201d says Keating.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was our way of spreading awareness,\u201d adds Kappel.<\/p>\n
Keating says the club is also a great resource for history majors: \u201cWe let students know what classes to take, and we also give teachers advice about their classes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both students are looking for ways to be involved with history after graduating. Kappel hopes to find a job in a museum working with archives. Keating plans to obtain a Ph.D. and teach history at a university.<\/p>\n
The History Club meets every Wednesday, at 9 p.m. in Wood Hall.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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