“Since 1987, the UCSB History Associates has connected the campus and the broader community through lectures, lunches, field trips, and other events that bring history to life. At the same time, the organization raises funds to support graduate students in the Department of History through the History Associates Graduate Fellowship. We invite you to become a member and join this vibrant community.”
~ Helen Murdoch, History Associates President
Our Story
The UCSB History Associates was founded in 1987 by Dick Cook, whose vision was simple: bring together people who love history while supporting the next generation of historians at UC Santa Barbara. What began with a small group of community members has grown into an enduring organization that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support graduate student fellowships, research, travel, and professional development. The History Associates also recognizes outstanding undergraduate research and the faculty mentorship that makes it possible. Alumni of these programs live and work around the world.
Meet the Board
The UCSB History Associates Board of Directors brings together students, alumni, faculty, educators, public historians, and community leaders who share a commitment to supporting the Department of History and its students. Board members contribute a wide range of professional expertise and help guide the organization’s programs, public events, and fundraising efforts in support of graduate fellowships and student success.
History Associates Support for Students
Undergraduate Awards and Fellowships.
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The History Associates Board Prize recognizes the best paper produced in the History Department’s Senior Honors seminar, as determined by the History Department Prizes Committee.
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The Stuart L. Bernath Prize is awarded to the History undergraduate whose research paper is selected by the History Prizes Committee as the best paper produced in a one-quarter course. Since 2021, the winner has had their research published in the UC Santa Barbara Undergraduate Journal of History.
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Find the full list of undergraduate prizes here.
Graduate Awards and Fellowships.
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Created in 2023, the African History and African Diaspora Award recognizes a graduate student for impressive work in African History and the History of the African Diaspora, including Black American History.
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The complete list of graduate awards and past recipients is available here.
Dick Cook Memorial Award.
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The Dick Cook Memorial Award, named in honor of the founding president of the UCSB History Associates, recognizes an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student whose exceptional service has made a lasting contribution to the Department of History.
Donate to the History Associates Graduate Fellowship
You can now donate directly to the History Associates Graduate Fellowship Fund to help graduate students pursue research, travel to archives and conferences, and access professional development opportunities. You can also donate to a specific award or prize here.
History Associates Public Programming
Since its founding, the History Associates has connected the wider community with the Department of History through lectures, conversations, and special events featuring UCSB faculty and students. Recordings on our YouTube channel allow you to explore a wide range of topics from across the department’s teaching and research, and our Historia newsletter archive (1988-2019) documents our past initiatives. When you join the History Associates, you become part of a community that supports historical scholarship while enjoying engaging programs throughout the year with fellow history enthusiasts.
Become a Member
Sign up to become a UCSB History Associate. For a total of $40 per year, you will receive access to History Associates lectures, lunches, and field trips at a complimentary or discounted rate.
Let’s Connect
We invite you to join us in supporting the study of history at UC Santa Barbara. Please email us at historyassociates@ia.ucsb.edu or ucsbhapresident@ia.ucsb.edu and follow the UCSB History Associates on Instagram.