AASLH’s first logo, 1940

by Megan Spainhour, AASLH Membership and Office Coordinator

In 1904, the American Historical Association established the Conference of State and Local Historical Societies. In 1939, a group of Conference members proposed the creation of an independent entity to better coordinate the activities of historical societies and stimulate the writing and teaching of state and local history in North America.

Two of the earliest publications in our archives, from 1936 and 1944. Take note of the name change from Conference of Historical Societies to American Association for State and Local History.

On December 27, 1940, the Conference of State and Local History disbanded itself and formed the American Association for State and Local History. Its first charter stated that AASLH’s purpose was, simply, “the promotion of effort and activity in the fields of state, provincial, and local history in the United States and Canada.”

Early brochure from AASLH, ca. 1960

Today, on December 27, 2024, The American Association for State and Local History celebrates it’s 84th anniversary. Eighty-four years of bringing the history community together. Eighty-four years of providing leadership and resources to help the history community thrive.

Some of the first issues of History News, November and December 1957.

Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee since 1964, AASLH has had many different addresses throughout “music city”- each one unique in its own way. From 1965 to 2024, AASLH has had offices in 7 different locations, a historic convent our most recent home. Prior to 1964, AASLH had offices in Indianapolis, Washington, DC, Harrisburg, PA and Madison, WI. Today, we have a total staff of 12 spread throughout the country.

Volume 1, No. 1 of our AASLH Newsletter, May 1971

As we celebrate the holidays and the new year, we are most thankful for our members and the history community that helps us grow and flourish. We look forward to the opportunities, professional development and new members we gain in 2025.

35th Annual AASLH conference booklet, September 1975