A Bit About Me
My name is Cole Klicker, and I’m a historian, writer, and law enforcement officer with a deep passion for uncovering the stories that shape our past. I hold a Master’s in History from Liberty University and have experience in both academic research and real-world investigations. In addition to my work, I am a member of the Seneca Historical Guild, where I assist in creating content and delivering historical education to the local community. My background in the military, policing, and historical analysis gives me a unique perspective on how history informs the present. Through Threads of Time, I aim to bring engaging historical insights, book reviews, and research consultations to those eager to explore the past with depth and accuracy.
Education
2025-Present
Ph.D. in History
Liberty University
I recently began my Ph.D. in History at Liberty University, where I am developing my skills as a professional historian. My primary focus is on World War II, but my studies also provide a well-rounded education across all historical eras. So far, I have gained a deeper understanding of historical analysis, research methodologies, and the broader complexities of interpreting the past.
Spring 2023-Fall 2024
Master of Arts in History
Liberty University
I earned my Master’s in History from Liberty University, where I focused on historical research, analysis, and writing. My studies covered a wide range of topics, including the Protestant Reformation, American Colonial and Revolutionary History, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Modern Europe, United States Political Parties and Politics since 1896, and World War II. This program strengthened my ability to interpret primary sources, construct well-supported arguments, and communicate complex historical narratives while providing a well-rounded understanding of various historical eras.
2018-2022
Bachelor of Science in History
Liberty University &
Western Illinois University
I earned my Bachelor’s in History from Liberty University, with prior coursework at Western Illinois University. My studies covered a wide range of historical topics, including American, European, and global history, while also incorporating a partial completion in Criminal Justice. This combination provided me with a strong foundation in historical analysis, research, and critical thinking, alongside an understanding of legal and law enforcement principles.
Work
2024-Present
Seneca Historical Guild
My work with the Seneca Historical Guild and at the Seneca Museum has allowed me to actively preserve and interpret the history of a World War II boomtown that played a vital role in the nation’s wartime production. At the museum, I assist with organizing exhibits, cataloging artifacts, and researching the stories behind them to connect local experiences to broader historical narratives. This hands-on work blends public history with community engagement, as I help ensure that Seneca’s past remains accessible and meaningful to future generations. It also complements my training as a historian by grounding my research in tangible artifacts and lived experiences.
2019-Present
Police Officer
As a police officer, I’ve developed a strong ability to investigate, analyze, and piece together facts from often limited or conflicting sources—skills that directly parallel the work of a historian. Both professions demand careful attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to distinguish between evidence and interpretation. Just as policing requires understanding context to make informed decisions, history requires examining events within their broader social, cultural, and political frameworks. In both roles, the ultimate goal is to uncover truth, create clarity, and preserve a record that helps others better understand the world around them.
2015-2021
Illinois Army National Guard
My six years in the Illinois Army National Guard, serving five as a Combat Engineer and one as a Human Intelligence Collector, gave me practical experience in leadership, problem-solving, and analysis under pressure. As a Combat Engineer, I learned to approach challenges methodically, often piecing together solutions in complex and high-stakes environments. Transitioning into intelligence work honed my ability to gather, evaluate, and interpret information—skills that parallel the historian’s task of sifting through evidence to build a coherent understanding of the past. This experience not only shaped my discipline and work ethic but also provided a foundation for my analytical approach as a historian.
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