Charles Homer Haskins Society

Charles Homer Haskins Society is a historical society dedicated to the study and promotion of medieval history, with a focus on the Middle Ages and the works of Charles Homer Haskins, a renowned American historian and expert on Norman history. The society's interests encompass a broad range of topics, including the Norman Conquest of England, the Crusades, and the History of the Byzantine Empire. Its members, comprising medieval historians and scholars from esteemed institutions like University of California, Berkeley, Yale University, and Columbia University, strive to advance knowledge and understanding of this pivotal period in human history, often in collaboration with organizations like the Medieval Academy of America and the Royal Historical Society.

● History

The Charles Homer Haskins Society was founded in 1983 by a group of scholars, including David Douglas, Marjorie Chibnall, and R. H. C. Davis, who sought to create a forum for the discussion and exploration of medieval studies, particularly in the context of European history and the History of England. The society's establishment was influenced by the works of Charles Homer Haskins, who had written extensively on Norman history and the Rise of universities during the Middle Ages, including the University of Paris and University of Bologna. Over the years, the society has grown to include members from various institutions, such as University of Chicago, Princeton University, and Stanford University, and has become a leading organization in the field of medieval history, often interacting with other scholarly groups like the Society for Medieval Archaeology and the International Medieval Society.

● Purpose

The primary purpose of the Charles Homer Haskins Society is to promote the study and understanding of medieval history, with a particular emphasis on the Norman Conquest of England and the Crusades, as well as the History of the Catholic Church and the Rise of Islam. The society aims to achieve this goal through various activities, including the organization of conferences and seminars, the publication of scholarly articles and books, and the provision of research grants and fellowships to scholars, often in partnership with institutions like the British Academy, American Historical Association, and German Historical Institute. The society also seeks to foster collaboration and exchange between scholars from different institutions and countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy, and to promote the use of interdisciplinary approaches in the study of medieval history, incorporating insights from archaeology, anthropology, and literary theory.

● Membership

Membership in the Charles Homer Haskins Society is open to scholars and researchers from around the world, including those from institutions like University of Toronto, McGill University, and Australian National University. Members of the society include historians, archaeologists, literary scholars, and other experts in medieval studies, such as Paul Hyams, Susan Reynolds, and Robert Bartlett. The society also welcomes graduate students and early career researchers who are interested in pursuing a career in medieval history, often providing them with opportunities to engage with established scholars like David Carpenter, John Gillingham, and Miriam Shadis. Members of the society have access to a range of benefits, including discounts on conference registration and publications, as well as opportunities to participate in research projects and collaborative initiatives with organizations like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Social Science Research Council.

● Publications

The Charles Homer Haskins Society publishes a range of materials, including scholarly articles, books, and conference proceedings, often in collaboration with university presses like Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, and Harvard University Press. The society's publications cover a broad range of topics related to medieval history, including the Norman Conquest of England, the Crusades, and the History of the Byzantine Empire, as well as the Rise of cities and the Development of trade. The society also publishes a newsletter that provides updates on the latest research and events in the field of medieval studies, often featuring contributions from scholars like Jonathan Riley-Smith, Malcolm Lambert, and Caroline Humphrey. Members of the society have access to exclusive online resources, including digitized versions of rare books and manuscripts from libraries like the British Library and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

● Conferences

The Charles Homer Haskins Society organizes a range of conferences and seminars throughout the year, often in collaboration with other scholarly organizations like the Medieval Academy of America and the Royal Historical Society. These events provide a forum for scholars to present their research and engage in debate and discussion with colleagues, including prominent historians like Geoffrey Barraclough, Richard Southern, and Gerald of Wales. The society's conferences often feature keynote lectures by leading scholars in the field, such as Robert Moor, John France, and Helen Castor, as well as panel sessions and workshops on topics like medieval archaeology, medieval literature, and medieval art history. The society also offers travel grants and accommodation subsidies to help scholars attend its conferences, often with support from institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Social Science Research Council.

● Awards

The Charles Homer Haskins Society presents a range of awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of medieval history, including the Haskins Medal, which is awarded annually to a scholar who has made a significant contribution to the study of medieval history, such as David Abulafia, Peter Linehan, and Janet Nelson. The society also offers research grants and fellowships to support scholars in their research and writing, often in partnership with organizations like the British Academy, American Historical Association, and German Historical Institute. These awards are designed to promote excellence in scholarship and to encourage the next generation of scholars to pursue a career in medieval studies, with the support of institutions like University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University.