American Historical Association

Definition

The American Historical Association (AHA) is a professional organization of historians in the United States, founded in 1884, that promotes historical research, teaching, and publication. It plays a critical role in the development of history as an academic discipline and has significant influence on the teaching of social studies in schools, helping shape curriculum standards and best practices for educators.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AHA was established to foster professional scholarship and promote the importance of historical studies in education and society.
2. It publishes several scholarly journals, including the 'American Historical Review,' which provides a platform for research and discussion among historians.
3. The AHA organizes annual meetings that serve as a gathering for historians to share their research, network, and discuss important issues within the field.
4. One of the AHA's initiatives includes providing resources and guidelines for K-12 teachers to enhance the quality of history education in schools.
5. The association actively engages in advocacy efforts to influence public policy related to education, historical preservation, and funding for historical research.

Review Questions

• How does the American Historical Association contribute to the development of history as an academic discipline?
  • The American Historical Association contributes to the development of history as an academic discipline by promoting scholarly research and providing a platform for historians to share their findings through publications and conferences. Its emphasis on rigorous historical methods enhances the credibility of historical inquiry. The AHA also sets standards for historical scholarship that shape how history is taught in educational institutions, ensuring that academic rigor is maintained across various levels.
• In what ways does the AHA impact curriculum standards for social studies education in schools?
  • The AHA impacts curriculum standards for social studies education by providing educators with resources, guidelines, and best practices aimed at improving history teaching. The association's influence helps shape state and national curriculum frameworks by emphasizing the importance of historical context, critical thinking skills, and the integration of diverse perspectives in history education. Through these efforts, the AHA helps ensure that students receive a comprehensive understanding of historical events and their significance.
• Evaluate the significance of the AHA's advocacy efforts for public policy related to historical education and preservation.
  • The advocacy efforts of the American Historical Association are significant as they help shape public policy regarding historical education, funding for research, and preservation initiatives. By influencing policymakers, the AHA ensures that history education is valued within school systems and that adequate resources are allocated for historical research. Furthermore, their focus on preserving historical sites and artifacts underscores the importance of maintaining cultural heritage, which enriches community identity and promotes engagement with history among the public.

Related terms

Historical Method: The systematic approach historians use to study and interpret past events, including the collection and analysis of primary and secondary sources.

Curriculum Standards: Guidelines that outline what students should learn in specific subjects, including history and social studies, to ensure educational consistency and quality.

Social Studies Education: An interdisciplinary field that combines various subjects like history, geography, political science, and economics to teach students about society and their roles within it.