Towson University Professor of History, Author, Lecturer
Arnold Blumberg, professor of History at Towson University for forty years, passed away in Jerusalem on July 10, 2006. He was born in Philadelphia in 1925, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Louis Blumberg. He served in the United States army during World Was II, from age 18 to 21.
He was a scholar of mid-nineteenth century diplomatic European history, and completed research in the archives of France, England, and Italy. In 1952 he earned his Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 51 years, Thelma Alpert Blumberg. Children are Raphael Blumberg and Eva Blumberg Livnat of Israel, Michael Blumberg of Baltimore, son-in-law Noam Livnat, and daughter-in-law Mona Frankovitz Blumberg. Grandchildren are Ora Livnat Binyamin, Ben-Yosef Livnat, Rachel Livnat, Odeya Livnat, Yehuda Livnat, Nava Chaya Livnat, Zeev Blumberg, Yonatan Blumberg, Tzipora Blumberg and Tehila Blumberg.
Much respected by colleagues, and revered by students, he served as Professor of History at Towson University from 1958 to 1998. In 1995 he was winner of the Towson University President?s award for distinguished service to the University. He was the author of seven books published by University Presses, and numerous articles which appeared in distinguished journals. His research was acclaimed by scholars world wide.
An outstanding lecturer, he was a much sought after speaker, both nationwide and within the community. His research was featured at a national conference of the combined Catholic and American Historical Societies, and he was invited frequently to read papers at Duquesne and other Universities. He was invited in the 70?s to debate an Egyptian diplomat on the Mid-East crisis, and was much sought after to speak at schools and synagogues locally.
For thirty-eight years was a member of Shearith Israel Synagogue, where he took an active role chairing committees, and authoring a history of the congregation. More recently he attended B?nai Jacob/Shaari Zion Synagogue.
