LibGuides: History: History Professional Organizations

Overview of Historical Organiations

Professional organizations for historians are as varied as the industry itself.
These associations are generally designed to promote the study, teaching and preservation of valuable historical documents and stories.
Becoming a member of a professional organization provide numerous benefits, including boosting credibility and opportunities to cultivate contacts in the industry. As a history major, you'll want to consider joining one of these reputable associations

Organizational Overview

American Historical Association
The American Historical Association (AHA) is the oldest membership society for working historians in the United States.
Organization of American Historians
This Organization is primarily focused on the studying and teaching of American history. This organization has vested interest in promoting excellence in the scholarship, teaching, and presentation of American history.
World History Association
As an umbrella organization, the WHA works with other associations to support the efforts of researching and teaching world history. Membership benefits include subscription to the award-winning Journal of World History, curriculum guides and a three-day annual conference.
National Council for History Education
Instructors from the elementary to collegiate level have access to professional development opportunities, diverse historical organizations, publications and information on developing issues in history education policy. Teachers can also tap tools for current and archival curriculum guides.
Specialty Historical Societies
Is an organization dedicated to preserving, collecting, researching, and interpreting historical information or items. Originally, these societies were created as a way to help future generations understand their heritage.

African American Intellectual Society
The African American Intellectual History Society (AAIHS) advances the historical study of African American and African diasporic thought among academic and nonacademic scholars. It fosters dialogue about researching, writing, and teaching black thought and culture.
Agricultural History Society
To promote the study of, and facilitate research and publication in rural and agricultural history.
Air Force Historical Foundation
The Air Force Historical Foundation is dedicated to promoting the preservation and appreciation of the history and heritage of the United States Air Force and its predecessors.
American Association for State and Local History
AASLH provides leadership and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful to all people.
American Association for the History of Medicine
The objective is to promote interest in the history of medicine and to encourage research and teaching in the field.
American Cultural Association
This is an international organization dedicated to exploring all manifestations of the cultures of the Americas.
American Journalism Historians Association
Main objective is to foster support for the field, and recognize outstanding achievement in the teaching and research of journalism history.
Association for Documentary Editing
The purpose of the Association for Documentary Editing (ADE) is to serve as a professional association for its membership, which is comprised of historians, literary scholars, and other individuals with an interest in the editing of important historical documents (i.e. the papers, published works, and other records of significant individuals and groups.

Membership/Affiliated Societies