The National History Center was created by the American Historical Association (AHA) in 2002 as a separate nonprofit organization that focuses on the relationship between history and public policy. Unlike the AHA itself the Center does not engage in advocacy other than the imperative of informed historical context as an aspect of policy discourse and formation.
The National History Center serves as a vital bridge between history and the public sphere, striving to bring historical perspectives to the forefront of contemporary issues. Through its carefully designed, strictly nonpartisan programs, the Center aims to benefit policymakers, educators, journalists, and the general public. These initiatives are guided by a core mission: to foster historical thinking as a tool for informed civic engagement and to demonstrate how an understanding of the past can illuminate the challenges of today and shape a better future.
The AHA is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1884 and incorporated by Congress in 1889 for the promotion of historical studies. The AHA provides leadership for the discipline by protecting academic freedom, developing professional standards, supporting scholarship and innovative teaching, and helping to sustain and enhance the work of historians. As the largest organization of professional historians in the world, the AHA represents more than 11,000 members and serves historians representing every historical period and geographical area in a wide variety of professions. The AHA is a trusted voice for history education, the professional work of historians, and the critical role of historical thinking in public life.
The Center believes in the transformative power of history to provide context, foster critical thinking, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of past and present. Its efforts are particularly focused on engaging with pressing national and global issues, offering historical insights that can inform decisions, enrich public debates, and encourage thoughtful reflection.
Whether through workshops for educators, policy briefings for lawmakers, or public seminars and discussions, the National History Center works to ensure that history remains a vital part of our collective dialogue. By emphasizing the relevance of historical knowledge in addressing modern challenges, the Center champions the idea that understanding our shared past is essential for navigating the complexities of the present and building a more thoughtful and inclusive future.