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Historical Associations and Societies
For those students who plan on having a career in history, membership in a historical association or society can be beneficial.

In the short term, many of the associations and societies offer scholarships and other benefits. Membership in these associations will put you in touch with like-minded professionals, and they can be helpful later, when you are looking for employment.

Historians based in the USA are assumed to be members of the AHA. This is the best source you will find on current trends in research, policy issues, and employment opportunities. Similarly, anyone teaching American history is assumed to be a member of the OAH, and for the same reasons.

American Association for State and Local History organizes and supports those who preserve local history. It is especially geared toward small historical organizations and museums. Student membership is $30/year.

American Historical Association is the largest historical organization in the US. The AHA is focused on professional historians and has an annual convention that doubles as a job fair. Join the AHA If you plan to have a career as a historian. Student membership is $37/year.

American Jewish Historical Society tries to collect and preserve Jewish-American history. They are the oldest ethnic historical organization in the US and the publishers of American Jewish History. Membership is $50/year.

Association for the Study of African American Life and History is the organization responsible for setting the theme of Black History Month. They are the oldest and most prestigious African-American history organization, and they publish The Journal of African-American History. Student membership is $20/year.

California Historical Society is the state’s official historical society. Its goal is to encourage public interest in history and preserve historical materials. Their headquarters/ museum is at 678 Mission Street in San Francisco. Membership is $60/year.

Chinese Historical Society of America has regular lectures and movie nights. Their museum at 965 Clay St. in San Francisco has a large selection of permanent and special exhibits. Student membership is $30/year.

California Preservation Society is devoted to historic preservation. Their events train and educate the public about preservation, while they lobby the state government for most historical preservation. Student membership is $40/year.

International Oral History Association is dedicated to creating a worldwide network of oral history scholars. Student membership is 22 euros/year.

National Civil War Association are the ones responsible for all those reconstruction battles, but their true aim is to present living history to the public. They have many events throughout the year, including re-enactments and balls. Membership is $40/year.

Organization of American Historians encourages scholarship and teaching about American history. The OAH publishes the Journal of American History, which is free with membership. Student membership is $25/year.

San Francisco History Association is dedicated to preserving San Francisco historical materials and holds monthly meetings at the Mission Dolores School auditorium. Membership is $25/year.

San Francisco Museum and Historical Society sponsors events like historical walking tours. They have exhibits at Pier 45 and the South Light Court at San Francisco City Hall. Membership is $40/yea