What We Believe

Our mission and aspirational values are currents that run through everything we do and push our work forward.

AASLH provides leadership and resources to help the history community thrive and make history more meaningful to all people.

We believe history matters. We believe that history connects people to something larger than themselves. We believe people need critical engagement with history to understand the world around them and develop solutions for the future.

We believe inclusive history advances progress toward a more just society.

We build networks. AASLH connects history organizations and practitioners to each other.

We are curious. AASLH creates opportunities for thinking critically about questions and challenges facing the field.

We are enthusiastic, supportive collaborators. AASLH embraces opportunities to work with others.

We are not afraid of risks. AASLH aims to find the best solutions, even if they are unconventional.

Our Strategic Framework incorporates our mission, vision, and values to guide us purposefully forward. Strategic Framework

This Framework serves as a guide for decision-making related to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility at the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH). The concepts and ideas articulated within this framework are specific to the organization’s internal workings, emphasizing AASLH Council, Staff, Committees, and Affinity Groups. While this document provides overarching guidelines of our collective work, more detailed aspects are (or will be)
reflected and updated in written policies and procedures.

Read the Framework.

The Value of History Statement

This explanation of the essential importance of history was created by the History Relevance initiative and is endorsed by hundreds of organizations across the country. AASLH continues to play a lead role in the initiative and endorsed the statement in December 2014. For more information, visit the History Relevance website.

TO OURSELVES

IDENTITY » History nurtures personal and collective identity in a diverse world. People discover their place in time through stories of their families, communities, and nation. These stories of freedom and equality, injustice and struggle, loss and achievement, and courage and triumph shape people’s personal values that guide them through life.

CRITICAL THINKING » History teaches vital skills. Historical thinking requires critical approaches to evidence and argument and develops contextual understanding and historical perspective, encouraging meaningful engagement with concepts like continuity, change, and causation, and the ability to interpret and communicate complex ideas clearly and coherently.

TO OUR COMMUNITIES

VIBRANT COMMUNITIES » History is the foundation for strong, vibrant communities. A place becomes a community when wrapped in human memory as told through family stories, tribal traditions, and civic commemorations as well as discussions about our roles and responsibilities to each other and the places we call home.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT » History is a catalyst for economic growth. Communities with cultural heritage institutions and a strong sense of historical character attract talent, increase tourism revenues, enhance business development, and fortify local economies.

TO OUR FUTURE

ENGAGED CITIZENS » History helps people envision a better future. Democracy thrives when individuals convene to express opinions, listen to others, and take action. Weaving history into discussions about contemporary issues clarifies differing perspectives and misperceptions, reveals complexities, grounds competing views in evidence, and introduces new ideas; all can lead to greater understanding and viable community solutions.

LEADERSHIP » History inspires leaders. History provides today’s leaders with role models as they navigate through the complexities of modern life. The stories of persons from the past can offer direction to contemporary leaders and help clarify their values and ideals.

LEGACY » History, saved and preserved, is the foundation for future generations. Historical knowledge is crucial to protecting democracy. By preserving authentic and meaningful documents, artifacts, images, stories, and places, future generations have a foundation on which to build and know what it means to be a member of the civic community.

These documents provide our governing framework.

AASLH Bylaws

AASLH Articles of Incorporation

AASLH is a membership organization comprised of individuals, agencies, and organizations acting in the public trust, engaged in the practice of history, and representing many disciplines and professions. The association and its members are expected to take affirmative steps to maintain their integrity and preserve public confidence.