Rachel Hope Cleves

Rachel Hope Cleves is a Professor of History at the University of Victoria, where she specializes in American history with particular focus on gender, sexuality, and cultural history. Her scholarly work bridges academic research and public engagement through her podcast Unsung History and frequent media appearances.

Her research interests span the history of sexuality, LGBTQ+ history, food history, and 18th-19th century American social history. Cleves approaches historical subjects with particular attention to marginalized experiences and unconventional narratives that challenge traditional historical frameworks. Her work often explores the intersection of personal lives with broader social and political movements.

Cleves's publications reveal a consistent focus on uncovering hidden or suppressed histories, particularly those related to sexuality and gender nonconformity in early America. Her work demonstrates methodological innovation through deep archival research combined with narrative storytelling that makes complex historical subjects accessible to broader audiences. The trajectory of her scholarship shows increasing attention to the connections between food, sexuality, and social power structures.

Her research has been featured in major media outlets including The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Salon.com, and Brain Pickings, demonstrating her ability to translate academic history for public consumption. Cleves maintains an active social media presence where she shares historical insights and engages with contemporary issues through historical perspective.

As both a historian and novelist, Cleves operates at the intersection of academic scholarship and creative writing. Her work environment includes a treehouse writing space in Victoria, British Columbia, reflecting her unconventional approach to both scholarship and life. She frequently participates in academic conferences and public history events, including speaking engagements on queer history and food history topics.