Martha Hodes

About the Author

Martha Hodes is a distinguished historian and professor emerita at New York University, where she has long explored the intricate intersections of race, emotion, and American history. Her scholarship delves into the personal dimensions of national traumas, illuminating how ordinary people navigated profound societal upheavals. With a focus on the nineteenth century, Hodes brings to life the human stories behind pivotal events, blending rigorous archival research with empathetic narrative. Her work challenges conventional historical narratives by emphasizing grief, love, and resilience in times of crisis. A recipient of numerous awards for her contributions to cultural history, Hodes continues to influence both academic and public understandings of the past through her insightful and accessible writing.