Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2026
Dr. Russell E. Martin, professor of history at Westminster College, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (RHS), one of the most prestigious historical associations in the United Kingdom.
Martin, who has been a member of the Westminster faculty since 1996, was elected at the society’s council meeting on Feb. 6, in recognition of his significant contributions to historical scholarship. As a Fellow, he is entitled to use the post-nominal letters FRHistS and is eligible to vote in RHS Council elections, seek election to the council and apply for positions on the editorial boards of the society’s publications.
Founded in 1868 and based in London, the RHS promotes the scholarly study of the past and represents historians across the globe. Election as a Fellow is a mark of distinction recognizing substantial achievement in historical research and publication.
An internationally recognized scholar of early modern Russian history, Martin is the author of “The Tsar’s Happy Occasion: Ritual and Dynasty in the Weddings of Russia’s Rulers, 1495–1745” and “A Bride for the Tsar: Bride-Shows and Marriage Politics in Early Modern Russia.” He has written more than 90 scholarly articles and has co-authored, edited or translated nine additional books and has three more under contract.
Martin has lectured widely outside the United States, including in Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and Russia. He has also appeared as an expert on “A&E Biography” in a feature on Ivan the Terrible, offering historical insight into the controversial ruler’s life and reign, and for “The Today Show.” He has also been interviewed for the New Books Network on his books.
In addition to his academic work, Martin serves as an adviser on Foreign Media and Communications to the Chancellery in Moscow of Her Imperial Highness The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, Head of the Russian Imperial House. He continues to translate the official website of the Imperial House and has twice been awarded the Russian Imperial Order of St. Anna (third and second classes) and twice the Imperial Order of St. Vladimir (fourth and third class) in recognition of his work on behalf of the House of Romanov.
Martin earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and completed both his master’s degree and Ph.D. at Harvard University.
For more information about Martin, please contact him at martinre@westminster.edu.
More information about the new RHS Fellows can be found in the official Royal Historical Society press release.
