Josiah Rector

About the Author

Josiah Rector is a historian and author whose work illuminates the social and environmental histories of urban America, with a particular focus on the transformative forces shaping industrial cities. Drawing from extensive archival research and community narratives, he explores themes of labor, migration, and ecological change in the Great Lakes region. As an associate professor of history at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Rector's scholarship bridges academic rigor with public engagement, making complex histories accessible to diverse audiences. His debut book, A People's Atlas of Detroit (Great Lakes Books), co-authored with collaborators, offers a vivid, participatory mapping of the city's past and present, highlighting grassroots stories of resilience amid economic upheaval and environmental injustice. Through his writing, Rector advocates for inclusive historical narratives that empower marginalized voices and foster a deeper understanding of urban futures.