Michael Fry

Michael Fry is a full-time Professor of History at the Department of History within Fort Lewis College's College of Arts and Sciences. Since joining FLC in 1995, he has focused on Latin American and Central American history, particularly Guatemala, Belize, and the 18th-19th century colonial period. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in History (1992) and M.A. in Latin American Studies (1985) from Tulane University, and a B.A. in History and Spanish from Westminster College (1983).

• Teaches courses on Central American history, Mexican history, U.S.-Latin American relations
• Leading residential programs to Spain, Mexico, and Central America
• Author of Historical Dictionary of Guatemala (2018)

Dr. Fry specializes in the transformation of indigenous identities into Ladino communities in Guatemala's Montaña region. His ongoing book project Becoming Ladino: Land & Community in the Guatemalan Montaña, 1700-1840 explores ethnic differentiation through land tenure systems and colonial pressures. His 2020 sabbatical research in Guatemala was disrupted by pandemic closures but yielded significant digitized primary sources.

Key research themes include:

• Ethnic identity formation
• Colonial governance structures
• Agrarian conflict and land rights
• Atlantic world connections
• Heritage preservation

His publications reveal a focus on Guatemalan ethnohistory and comparative colonial systems across the Americas.

Contributions & Recognition:

• Fulbright Fellow
• Founding member & past president of FLC AAUP chapter
• Active participant in American Historical Association and American Society of Ethnohistory
• Recipient of university's recognition for innovative international programs