The predecessor of historical research China Modern History Research Institute, is a professional research institutions directly under the Huazhong Normal University, founded by the famous historian, former president of Huazhong Normal University professor Zhang Kaiyuan in 1984. The succession of are three professors Liu Wangling, Luo Fuhui, Yan Changhong. In 1999, the school won the support, restructuring and easier for this name, also hired as professor Zhu Ying director.