British Association for Local History

[2] BALH was founded and registered as a charity in England and Wales on 30 September 1982[1] through an initiative by the National Council of Social Services (now the National Council for Voluntary Organisations) to bring together the work of previously separate organisations in the field.

[3] It aims to be the national umbrella organisation for the subject and many local history societies and groups are members of BALH, though others remain outside.

[3] People with an interest in local history can also join BALH as individual members.

The British Association for Local History also has an education committee that has been active in lobbying the National Curriculum Council to increase the teaching of local history in schools, as well as in preparing courses and publications for teachers.

[3] The Association's president is Professor Caroline Barron of Royal Holloway, University of London.