Thomas A. Castillo

Thomas A. Castillo is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Coastal Carolina University, specializing in 20th-century U.S. history with a focus on labor, class, and racial dynamics. He earned his Ph.D. in U.S. History from the University of Maryland and holds an M.A. and B.A. in History from Florida International University.

Research Interests: Dr. Castillo’s work examines the moral economy of early 20th-century Miami, emphasizing labor inequality, racial production, and urban development. He explores intersections of Labor and Working-Class Studies, African American History, and Immigration Studies, often utilizing Oral History and archival sources to recover marginalized narratives.

Scientific Awards:

• Arthur W. Thompson Award (2004) for best article on Florida History

Publications and Contributions: His book Working in the Magic City: Moral Economy in Early Twentieth-Century Miami (2022) and blog post The Archaeology of Miami’s Labor History on The Metropole analyze class struggles, employer resistance, and the evolution of right-to-work policies. He has also authored book reviews in Labor History, Labor: Working Class History of the Americas, and Journal of American History.

Additional Roles: Dr. Castillo advocates for first-generation students through prior academic advising at the University of Maryland and moderates the H-Labor network on H-Net Commons. His career spans diverse roles, including retail, education, and community engagement.