October 29, 2010 | Eunice Omega, CLAS ’10

History Club’s Halloween Meeting Held in Salem

The History Club, led by undergraduate history majors, connects with the past in vivid ways.

For Halloween this year, the History Club is taking a trip to Salem, Mass., site of the notorious 17th century witch trials. It’s 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.

Every Wednesday, club members get together with other history fanatics and debate historical topics, such as “What is your favorite historical conflict?” or “Who’s the bloodiest person in history?”

“The debate is between Vladimir Dracula, the man behind the inspiration for Count Dracula and, of course, Jack the Ripper,” says John Keating, a junior history major and co-president of the History Club in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

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’s adviser.

Activities designed to keep members interested include not only debates, and trips to historical sites – such as this week’s trip to Salem, but watching movies that pertain to history.

“We have pretty decent attendance and a lot of committed people,” says Kevin Kappel, also a junior history major and co-president of the History Club.

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.

“It was a great achievement, and everybody at the Mark Twain House appreciated our efforts,” says Keating.

“It was our way of spreading awareness,” adds Kappel.

Keating says the club is also a great resource for history majors: “We let students know what classes to take, and we also give teachers advice about their classes.”

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.

The History Club meets every Wednesday, at 9 p.m. in Wood Hall.