Later, numerous local history groups were started and it took on the maintenance of Harz traditions.
In East Germany the Harz Club was banned as an organisation, similar functions were entrusted to the subordinate levels of the Cultural Association of the GDR.
After German reunification over 40 branches were founded in the Harz region of the new federal states of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
In 1994 the club's name was changed into the Local History, Walking and Nature Conservation Association (Heimat-, Wander- und Naturschutzbund).
Its main chairman is Michael Ermrich, chief executive of the district of Harz.