Three years of intense research and writing have resulted in unexpected satisfaction for Associate Professor of History Molly Wood. The Organization of American Historians (OAH) selected Wood's essay, "Diplomatic Wives: The Politics of Domesticity and 'the Social Game' in the U.S. Foreign Service, 1905-1941," as one of the 10 best American history essays.

The essay was published in the Journal of Women's History in June 2005. Wood said that she was surprised when she was informed through e-mail that she had received such prestigious recognition. She did not even know her essay was being considered.

The OAH promotes "excellence in the scholarship, teaching and presentation of A merica n histor y." Its a nnua l publication, The Best American History Essays, consists of 10 American history essays selected from more than 300 journals published in the preceding year.

The OAH announced the 10 best American history essays at its annual conference in March, and the journal of winning essays will be published in April.