Historicals

I majored in history in college.  Military history.  I love it.  My parents are both PhD Historians.  I've never played or collected a historical game or model. I think I've been intimidated by the choices.  Too many scales, rules, eras.  Where to begin?  Will I have someone to play with?  Because I haven't had the answers to these questions I have held off on taking the leap.  I've read the