[3] The AEA was established in 1885 in Saratoga Springs, New York[4] by younger progressive economists trained in the German historical school, including Richard T. Ely, Edwin Robert Anderson Seligman and Katharine Coman, the only woman co-founder;[5]: 989  Since 1900, it has been under the control of academics.

The Association says that it takes no partisan attitude, nor does it commit its members to any position on practical economic questions.

[8][9] Once composed primarily of college and university economics teachers, the Association, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, now attracts increasing members from business and professional groups.

About 15% are employed in business and industry, and the remainder largely by federal, state, and local government or other not-for-profit organizations.

Compiled and abstracted in a searchable format, EconLit indexes 125 years of economic literature worldwide.

The AEA sponsors RFE: Resources for Economists on the Internet, an online source available to the general public without subscription.