On April 22nd, 2006, four ENC history majors traveled to Yale University to participate in the annual New England Regional Phi Alpha Theta Conference. Some 32 students from 9 different colleges and universities presented papers, including young historians from Yale University, the United States Military Academy, and Northeastern University. Needless to say, rigorous scholarship, thoughtful analysis, and solid writing filled the day with extremely interesting presentations.

John Reid’s paper entitled “Jefferson Loophole” discussed the first instance of an American president fighting a war without Congressional approval, this setting a key precedent for subsequent American foreign policy. John’s session, “Early American Foreign Policy,” included two papers from Yale students and unanimously won the conference prize for Best Panel. 

Heather Warmuth’s paper, “The Architecture of Memory: St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Battle of Britain,” assessed the role of this monumental masterpiece as a symbol for national heroism and historical greatness and as a custodian of national identity. Persuasively and passionately delivered, Heather’s paper garnered much conversation among the members of the award jury and in the end narrowly missed out on winning a prestigious book award for best paper. 

Dana Goblaskas delivered a paper on “The British Invasion: A Study of Its Culture and Influence,” which traced the rise of the British pop scene, first on the other side of the “pond” and then after its arrival on American shores via the Beatles in 1964. The waves of British pop and rock and roll groups that followed launched a new era in popular culture, the effects of which, she argued, can still be seen today. After her presentation Dana found herself at the center of lively discussion with various audience members all curious to learn more about her topic. 

Besides these three presenters, fellow ENC student Kevin Uscinski attended the conference and ENC’s PAT faculty advisor, Carla Lovett, coordinated a panel of four papers entitled “The Revolutionary 1960s and 1970s” which was deemed the best run session of the day. All in all, ENC’s History Department made a strong impression on participants and organizers alike and looks forward to doing so again next year.