r/AskHistorians

r/AskHistorians: Bridging Academic History and Online Communities

Introduction to r/AskHistorians

r/AskHistorians, a cornerstone of historical discourse on Reddit, serves as a platform for users to pose questions and engage in discussions about history. Renowned for its rigorous academic standards and active moderation, it has become one of the premier online forums for historical inquiry. Established in 2011, the subreddit boasts over 1 million subscribers as of August 9, 2019, fostering a community where enthusiasts and experts alike contribute to a rich tapestry of historical knowledge.

Foundation and Philosophy

Launched on August 28, 2011, r/AskHistorians quickly distinguished itself from other forums by its steadfast commitment to academic integrity and serious discourse. The subreddit enforces a policy where all responses must be informed by credible academic sources, and contributors who consistently demonstrate expertise in specific historical fields are awarded “flair” that signifies their area of knowledge. This community is not exclusive to professional historians; it welcomes contributions from anyone capable of meeting its high standards, including scholars like Roel Konijnendijk, Mike Dash, Alex Wellerstein, and Benerson Little.

Praise and Impact

The American Historical Association has lauded r/AskHistorians for its role in democratizing academic history and serving as a virtual training ground for historical analysis. The subreddit is particularly noted for debunking historical myths and addressing misconceptions, contributing to a broader understanding and appreciation of history among the general public.

Strict Moderation for Quality Control

As the community grew, so did the complexity of its moderation. Enforcing rules around civility and adherence to academic standards, the subreddit maintains a focus on events that occurred more than twenty years ago. A standout aspect of its moderation is the zero-tolerance policy towards Holocaust denial and Nazi sympathies, making it a leading online space for informed discussions on sensitive historical topics.

Engagement and Outreach

r/AskHistorians enhances its community interaction through AMAs with esteemed historians and experts, including names like Kate Williams, James F. Brooks, and institutions like the American Battlefield Trust. These sessions, alongside partnerships with cultural organizations, enrich the subreddit with diverse perspectives and unique insights.

Innovative Initiatives

In September 2020, r/AskHistorians hosted its inaugural virtual conference, “Business as Unusual: Histories of Rupture, Chaos, Revolution, and Change,” marking a significant milestone in its community engagement efforts. This event, followed by another conference in 2021 on ‘[Deleted] & Missing History’, underscores the subreddit’s commitment to fostering scholarly discussions and making history accessible to a wider audience.

The AskHistorians Podcast

Further expanding its educational outreach, r/AskHistorians introduced a dedicated podcast in December 2016, featuring in-depth interviews and discussions with historians and experts. The podcast, along with the AskHistorians Aloud segment, brings the subreddit’s rich content to an audio format, allowing for an even broader dissemination of historical knowledge.

Conclusion

r/AskHistorians stands as a testament to the potential of online communities to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and public education in history. Through its stringent moderation, diverse contributions, and innovative outreach efforts, it has carved out a unique space where history is not only discussed but brought to life for an ever-growing audience.