The Organization of American Historians is the largest learned society devoted to the study of American history. Since its founding in 1907 as the Mississippi Valley Historical Association, the OAH has promoted the study and teaching of the American past through its many activities. The work of the organization is supported by our members and contributions of its supporters. We invite you to learn more about the organization and encourage you to support its efforts by becoming a member today.

OAH Seeks Your Input into its
Strategic Planning Process

The Executive Board of the Organization of American Historians is developing a new Five Year OAH Strategic Plan. As part of this exercise, OAH leadership seeks information from current OAH members, and non-members as well, about experiences with the activities of the OAH. We welcome your input and invite you to follow one of the following links, depending upon your level of involvement with OAH:

• Survey for OAH Members
• Survey for Non-members

The Obama Phenomenon in
Historical Perspective

This month's historic U.S. presidential election will have ramifications around the globe. For the perspectives of public intellectuals on the Obama phenomenon in the U.K., the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Japan, see our forum in the November OAH Newsletter.

October 2008 OAH Magazine examines
Military History

"The military history of the United States represents an essential thread in the full cloth of American history" exclaims Penn State's Carol Reardon, guest editor of our special issue on military history. "Without it," she continues, "the entire fabric of American history may unravel. Still, especially since the Vietnam era--and despite significant popular interest in the subject--it slowly has lost its place in the nation’s primary and secondary classrooms. The current National Standards for United States History include little instruction on some of the most transformative events in American history."

Preregistration Now Open for
OAH Meeting in Seattle

The 2009 OAH Annual Meeting will be held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, March 26-29. Taking as its theme of "History Without Boundaries," the meeting will present a program that highlights the creative use of history in research, education, the media, and public presentations. Act now and save by preregistering online today.

OAH Debuts 2008 Best Essays in American History

OAH and Palgrave Macmillan are proud to announce the third annual Best Essays in American History volume, which showcases the best American history articles published between the summers of 2006 and 2007. This third volume provides a quick and comprehensive overview of the top work and the current intellectual trends in the field of American history.

Teaching American History in a Global Perspective

Recognizing the urgent need for students to understand the emergence of the United States' power and prestige in relation to world events, the OAH and the College Board has just published, America on the World Stage: A Global Approach to U.S. History, which reframes the teaching of American history in a global context.

OAH Hosts National Collaborative
for Women's History Sites

The OAH serves as an online host to the National Collaborative for Women's History Sites (NCWHS) web site. NCWHS supports and promotes the preservation and interpretation of sites and locales that bear witness to women's participation in American life. The Collaborative makes women's contributions to history visible so that all women's experiences and potential are fully valued.

OAH Distinguished Lectureship Program

OAH is pleased to announce an expanded list of historians participating in its Distinguished Lectureship Program. Speaking on a wide range of topics, from "Hypertext and History" and "The Historical Construction of Racism" to "American Nationalism in Comparative Perspective" and "Using Historic Sites to Interpret Women's History," the OAH Distinguished Lectureship Program brings premier scholars to your institution.

The Organization of American Historians promotes excellence in the scholarship, teaching, and presentation of American history, and encourages wide discussion of historical questions and equitable treatment of all practitioners of history.