Historical Association
The Historical Association (HA) is a United Kingdom-based membership charity dedicated to supporting the study and appreciation of history. Incorporated by Royal Charter and registered as charity no. 1120261, it was founded in 1906 to promote historical education and scholarship across all levels of society.

Overview

The HA focuses on fostering engagement with history through education, public events, and research. It serves as a central organization for historians, educators, and enthusiasts, advocating for high-quality history teaching in schools and facilitating collaboration among academic and public history communities.

Activities

Education and Advocacy

The HA works extensively with schools, providing resources, professional development for teachers, and input on national education policies. It supports educators through journals such as Teaching History and Primary History, conferences, webinars, and curriculum guidance. Over 4,000 UK schools are institutional members, benefiting from its pedagogical expertise.

Publications and Research

The HA publishes two scholarly journals: History, aimed at academic audiences, and The Historian, which caters to its general membership. These publications disseminate historical research and analysis, bridging academic scholarship and public interest.

Public Engagement

A network of volunteer-led local branches organizes lectures, debates, and events to promote historical discourse. The HA also produces podcasts, online resources, and collaborates with institutions to enhance public access to historical knowledge.

Governance

The HA is governed by an elected Council of trustees, which oversees strategic direction, while day-to-day operations are managed by a small staff team. Its work is further supported by specialized committees, including groups focused on primary and secondary education.

Membership

With over 8,000 individual and institutional members, the HA connects historians, teachers, students, and history enthusiasts. Members gain access to publications, events, and professional networks, reinforcing the organization’s role as a cornerstone of the UK’s historical community.

History

Established in 1906, the HA has evolved into a leading voice for historical education, adapting to changes in pedagogy and public interest while maintaining its mission to make history accessible to all. Its Royal Charter status, granted in 2006, underscores its national significance.

[1] https://www.history.org.uk [2] https://history.org.uk/aboutus/categories/151/info/1342/who-are-we [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Association [4] https://www.instagram.com/histassoc/ [5] https://euroclio.eu/member/the-historical-association/