The philosopher and logician Charles S. Peirce (1839-1914) is most known today for the role he played in the genesis of pragmatist philosophy, as well as for his path-breaking work in semiotics. However, he also was a committed historian, and in particular a historian of science. In this talk, I will give an overview of Peirce’s most significant historical inquiries, and I will describe in which sense Peirce thought that historical knowledge is indispensable for sound philosophical reflection.