Public Service
History in Action
History in Action aims to provide innovative ways to connect the global community with history, which belongs to the public. Because we live in an exciting age of digital innovation, we can share knowledge gained through traditional historical methods (by reviewing manuscripts, books and artifacts) with the world.
We use virtual exhibitions and other cutting-edge tools to communicate historical findings. PHC students create service-learning projects with our community partners that feature artifacts and/or archival collections that either have not been seen by a large audience or have been tucked away for safekeeping.
Students become investigators, searching for unique or special historical items that pique their interest in the hope of sparking yours as well. They research the history behind objects, letters, places and so much more. And then we tell their stories, making a lasting, meaningful contribution to the Hampton Roads community and beyond.
It is a true honor and pleasure to work with these talented students and the community every semester. Our students have a true passion for making a difference and bringing history to life. We hope you enjoy History in Action!
Why History Matters
We organize an occasional lecture series open to the public that honors commemorations, anniversaries and addresses historically relevant current events.
Community Service
Sheri Shuck-Hall was appointed as a council member by the 2019 Commonwealth of Virginia Commission and served on the 2019 Commemoration Historian Advisory Council. She focused on historical accuracy of all literature/public history productions associated with event and key messaging to events. She also acted as a script reviewer and historical consultant to the PBS documentary, "America in 1619."
Shuck-Hall and Thomas Hall served on additional committees, including the 2019 Impact of Women Committee, the Millennial Committee, the Higher Education Committee and the Entrepreneurship Committee.
Shuck-Hall serves as the senior adviser to the executive board of the Williamsburg/Yorktown American Revolution Roundtable. She collaborates on events and partners on programming on topics related to the American Revolution and its legacy.
The Public History Center was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year (2016) for York County, Virginia for contributions of service (over 430 hours) for the Hermione Project, 2015.
Shuck-Hall serves as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Landmarks of American History and Culture, where she assists in the selection process of public history grants and partnerships with K-12 educators.
Shuck-Hall serves as a committee member by collaborating with local museums and public history agencies on upcoming events in order to provide and promote volunteer and internship opportunities for Christopher Newport students. She also hosts guest lectures from this organization.
Hall has served as co-chair of a pro bono Urban Land Institute study commission regarding how entitlement and land use reform can help alleviate the current crisis in affordable housing.
Hall was elected chair of the board of the directors in August 2020, including a multi-agency effort to redesign the master interpretive plan for the Lynnhaven House, Thoroughgood House and Francis Land House.