Matthew Frye Jacobson

Matthew Frye Jacobson serves as Sterling Professor of American Studies and History at Yale University with an additional appointment as Professor of Black Studies. His scholarly work critically examines race, politics, and cultural dynamics in American history from 1790 to the present, bridging academic research with public humanities engagement.

Education:

• Ph.D. in American Civilization, Brown University (1992)

Research Focus: Professor Jacobson's interdisciplinary scholarship investigates the intersections of race and U.S. political culture through lenses of imperialism, migration, civil rights movements, and citizenship jurisprudence. His innovative approach integrates documentary studies with historical analysis to explore how visual media shapes historical memory and contemporary discourse.

Scientific Awards:

• Golden Telly Award for General Television Documentary (2019) for "A Long Way from Home: The Untold Story of Baseball’s Desegregation"

Professional Activities: Co-host of the monthly webinar series "Historians Imagine" with Patty Limerick, fostering creative methodologies in historical practice. Currently developing projects on Dick Gregory's political comedy and continuing documentary work at the intersection of race and American cultural history. His leadership extends to public scholarship through film production and digital humanities initiatives.