American Historical Association

American Historical Association The American Historical Association (AHA) is a professional organization of historians in the United States. Founded in 1884, the AHA is the oldest and largest historical society in the United States. With over 11,000 members, the organization works to promote the study of history and the preservation of historical records. The AHA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., near the National Archives Building and the Library of Congress.

History

The AHA was founded on June 11, 1884, at a meeting in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania, with Andrew Dickson White as its first president. The organization was established to promote the study of history and to provide a forum for historians to share their research. In the early years, the AHA was focused on the study of American history, but it has since expanded to include historians of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The AHA has also been involved in several high-profile debates, including the Historian's controversy of the 1890s and the Battle of the historians over the American South during the 1930s.

Organization and governance

The AHA is governed by a council, which is composed of the organization's president, vice-president, and several elected members. The council is responsible for setting the AHA's policies and overseeing its activities. The AHA also has several committees, including the Committee on Women in the Profession and the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. The organization has a staff of several full-time employees, who work on tasks such as membership services, publications, and advocacy. The AHA is also affiliated with several other organizations, including the Organization of American Historians and the International Committee of Historical Sciences.

Activities and publications

The AHA publishes several publications, including the American Historical Review, which is one of the most prestigious historical journals in the United States. The organization also publishes a newsletter, Perspectives on History, which features articles, reviews, and news about the historical profession. The AHA holds an annual meeting, which brings together historians from around the world to share their research and discuss issues in the field. The meeting features several plenary sessions, panel discussions, and book exhibits. In addition, the AHA offers several programs and services, including the AHA Research Grants and the AHA Fellowship.

Awards and fellowships

The AHA offers several awards and fellowships to support historians in their research and writing. The organization awards the George Louis Beer Prize for outstanding historical writing in European international history since 1895. The AHA also awards the Albert J. Beveridge Award for outstanding historical writing in United States**, **Canada**, and Latin America. In addition, the organization offers several fellowships, including the AHA Mellon Fellowship and the AHA-ACL Fellowship.

Advocacy and public engagement

The AHA is involved in several advocacy efforts, including the promotion of history education in American schools and the preservation of historical records and museums. The organization has also been involved in several public debates, including the controversy over the National History Standards in the 1990s. The AHA has also worked with several other organizations, including the National Council on Public History and the American Association of Museums, to promote the study and preservation of history.

Controversies and criticism

The AHA has been involved in several controversies over the years, including debates over historical interpretation and political correctness. Some critics have argued that the organization has become too focused on social history and cultural history, and that it has neglected the study of political history and diplomatic history. Others have criticized the AHA for its perceived liberal bias and its alleged failure to promote diversity and inclusion in the historical profession. The AHA has also faced criticism for its handling of several high-profile cases, including the controversy over the University of California, Berkeley's Department of History in the 1990s.

Category:Historical societies