ABOUT EHE
At Essential History Expeditions, we believe that history and culture are inseparable threads in the fabric of human experience.
Our travels are designed not merely to inform, but also to immerse, to place our guests at the intersection of time, place and perspective.
By engaging directly with the people, stories and cultural expressions that have shaped eras, our guests gain more than knowledge: they gain a renewed sense of how the past continues to shape the world we share today.
Abbey of Monte Cassino, Italy
For more than 12 years, Essential History Expeditions is pleased to have received ALL five-star reviews on all review sites – Google, Yelp, Facebook and more. Our goal each year is to focus on a few highly crafted tours that engage and inspire guests. We travel with purpose – to explore the historic sites, experience the culture, and view the natural beauty, yes; but also, to immerse in the topics and discussions that arise and the conversations that follow.
The Essential History experience is an investment in time and energy, make no doubt. EHE guests are active participants in their learning as we subscribe fully to the Benjamin Franklin quote “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I learn. Involve me and I remember.”
Guests depart inspired to continue to explore afterwards in the type of life-long learning that animates them. EHE promises a rewarding, enriching encounter that will resonate for a lifetime.
Expert historian and guide, Dr. Brian DeToy (Lt Col, Ret.) served as Director of the Defense & Strategic Studies program at the United States Military Academy, West Point from 2007-13. His previous assignments include Assistant Professor in the Academy’s History Department, Chief of Research and Publications in the Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and Professor of Military Science at the University of Kansas.
Airborne and Ranger qualified, DeToy also possesses the Expert Infantryman and Air Assault badges. DeToy graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in History and earned a PhD from Florida State University in European History. He has served in light and mechanized units with multiple deployments in Latin America and the Middle East. In 2009-10 he served as the theater Command Historian for the Multi-National Corps-Iraq out of Baghdad.
He has presented, chaired and commented on sessions at numerous conferences in the United States and Europe. He has also appeared on many television programs on A&E, Discovery, PBS, History Channel, Fox Nation and others, on topics of military and social history. Most recently, he provided historical expertise for Fox News’ Harris Faulkner for the Vietnam special Footsteps of My Father.
Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University, a Master of Arts in Education Leadership, Policy and Politics from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University.
Sheryl has significant leadership experience in the start-up phase of multiple corporate and nonprofit businesses, including roles as consultant and board of directors president, vice president and member. She played a significant role in creating and building a K-12 charter school, which has consistently been recognized as one of the top schools in the country. Her published writing is in the education sector.
Sheryl serves as EHE COO and expedition director, committed to meeting the unique needs of each group and creating meaningful travel experiences for all guests. She has always been passionate about exploring worldwide cultures through travel. She has planned expeditions and organized group travel with EHE for more than 12 years, building a wealth of experience in locations worldwide.
See more in this Voyager Denver article here.
Our meticulous planning is only the start. Everything is in place before you arrive and we begin. We have more than a decade's experience globally and have long-term contacts in each locale to ensure your seamless travel experience.
Then, on the trip, we provide full-service support, including a dedicated expedition director who handles every detail professionally to maximize your time, opportunity, learning, and enjoyment.
This attention to detail allows you to relax - we have everything covered from high-end lodgings and bus transportation, to expert historical guiding and access to iconic and some out-of-the way sites, too. If a train, sea, or plane transfer is part of the journey, we have that in hand, as well.
Let's go on an adventure together!
Jonathan is a retired U.S. Army Infantry officer who commissioned out of Cornell Army ROTC with a BA in Government. Jon also holds a Master of Public Policy from The George Washington University.
On active duty, Jon deployed as a combat leader to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times, including as a rifle company commander in Baghdad in 2007. He was also an Assistant Professor of Defense & Strategic Studies at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY for three years where he became an expert at leading staff rides. He later worked in Strategic Plans & Policy at U.S. Africa Command, commanded a Stryker infantry battalion, and served in the Republic of Korea for four years.
Today, he blends his professional military and teaching experience with his education in military strategy and public policy to deliver unique, thoughtful expeditions for EHE guests around the world.
Claire is a former U.S. Army Medical Service officer who graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Environmental Science and a master’s in human relations from University of Oklahoma.
After leaving active duty, Claire volunteered with local spouse’s club groups, PTSOs, and other organizations that support military spouses and local schools. She regularly served as president, secretary, and other chairs in military community organizations. Most recently, she worked at the Department of Defense high school in Korea as a substitute teacher, and in the main office and counseling suite.
Claire serves as an expedition director and the company social media manager. She is excited to share her love of travel and to build and support the many exceptional EHE expeditions.
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