The commission was established at the Tenth International Congress of the Historical Sciences in Rome (4–11 September 1955) at the initiative of Hector Amann (1894–1967) and Edith Ennen (1907–1999), following a decision by the International Committee of Historical Sciences.
Annual general meetings,[3] were held for the first time in Dijon in 1956, and agreed om a program which focused on three projects: the "Elenchus fontium historiae urbanae", providing sources for high medieval urban development, urban history bibliographies and historic towns atlases.
[12] The commission elects a board, that looks after upcoming business (conferences, publications, membership, etc.).
The General Assembly, upon the proposal of members, decides on a common research focus for the period between the International Congresses of the Historical Sciences.
[13] Budapest 2019; Salzburg 2018; Kraków 2017; Kiel 2016; Zürich 2015; Clermont-Ferrand 2014; Lisboa 2013; Prague 2012; Sibiu 2011; Amsterdam 2010; Helsinki 2010; Luxemburg 2009; Lecce 2008; London 2007; Zagreb 2006; Kiel 2005; Münster 2004; Vienna 2003; Torún 2002; Bologna 2001; Oslo 2000; Bordeaux 1999; Spa 1998; Saloniki 1997; Bern 1996; Montréal 1995; Sigtuna 1994; Trier 1993; Alphen an den Rijn 1992; Meißen 1991; Linz 1990; Madrid 1990; Helsingör 1989; Andorra 1988; Helsinki 1987; Bologna 1986; Stuttgart 1985; Dublin 1984; Linz 1983; Saloniki 1982; Leningrad 1981; Bucarest 1980; Bruxelles 1979; Münster/Westfalen 1978; Varna 1977; Aarhus 1976; San Francisco 1975; Ljubljana 1974; Ferrara 1973; Budapest 1972; Barcelona 1971; Moscow 1970; Salzburg 1969; Oxford 1968; Engelberg 1967; Warsaw 1966; Vienna 1965; Dordrecht 1964; Verona 1963; Esslingen 1962; Toulouse 1961; Brugge 1959; Fribourg 1958; Maastricht 1957; Dijon 1956