Dr. Larry Schweikart is a renowned historian, professor, author, and former rock drummer, celebrated for his engaging and patriotic approach to American history. Born in Mesa, Arizona, he grew up in a cattle ranching family in Higley before moving to Chandler after his father’s death in 1960. A graduate of Chandler High School, he earned a B.A. in Political Science from Arizona State University (1972), followed by an M.A. in History from ASU and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. From 1985 to 2016, Dr. Schweikart taught history at the University of Dayton, specializing in business, economic, and military history.
A prolific author, Dr. Schweikart has written over 25 books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller A Patriot’s History of the United States (co-authored with Michael Allen), 48 Liberal Lies About American History, and Seven Events That Made America America. His work emphasizes a positive view of America’s past, countering what he sees as biased narratives in modern textbooks. In 2009, he produced the documentary Rockin’ the Wall, exploring rock music’s role in the fall of the Iron Curtain, which aired on PBS. His other works include Reagan: The American President and A Patriot’s History of the Modern World (with Dave Dougherty), and he has appeared on major media outlets like Fox News, Glenn Beck, and Rush Limbaugh.
As a speaker at Great Homeschool Conventions, Dr. Schweikart captivates audiences with his “Professor Larry” style—intellectually irreverent, humorous, and vivid—making history relatable and inspiring. His workshops offer homeschooling parents and educators practical tools to teach history with a focus on critical thinking, primary sources, and America’s founding principles. A former drummer who opened for bands like Steppenwolf, he brings unique energy to his presentations, blending storytelling with scholarly insight.
Dr. Schweikart resides in Chandler, Arizona, and continues to produce educational content, including video courses and webinars, to make history accessible and engaging.
