NEHA will fulfill its vision to support and encourage congregations, dioceses, and organizations through: NEHA began in 1961 as an outgrowth of the Church Historical Society to answer the needs of diocesan officials and others who felt attention should be given to nurturing congregational, diocesan, and institutional historians as well as archivists and registrars.
Since its first meeting at the University of the South August 18–19, 1961, NEHA has provided a forum for exchanging ideas and giving mutual support.
Under the leadership of Dr. Arthur Ben Chitty, the association launched a newsletter that later became The Historiographer.
Through this communication tool, NEHA has come to define its role as an archival and historical professional society for those who participate in preserving and exploring the historical dimensions of the Episcopal Church.
When founded in 1961, the organization was called the Association of Episcopal Historiographers.