Administrative History
The American Historical Association (AHA), founded in 1884, is a professional organization charged with providing leadership in the historical discipline and promoting the study and teaching of history. The association supports its mission by defending academic freedom, developing professional standards, supporting innovative scholarship and teaching, and endeavoring to sustain and enhance the work of historians. At the time of the organization's founding, leading academics recognized a need to establish high professional standards for historical training and research. In 1889, the association was incorporated by an act of Congress in Washington, D.C., where its office was established. Herbert Baxter Adams served as the first secretary and Andrew Dixon White was chosen as the first president. The role of secretary would later be assumed by the executive director. The Council is the main governing body of the association, with the divisions and committees also carrying out work and recommending AHA policy. The primary publication of the association is the American Historical Review, which it began subsidizing in 1898 and assumed formal control over in 1915. Other significant publications include Writings on American History, several editions of the Guide to Historical Literature, and Perspectives, the Association newsletter.