Benefits of Western History Association Membership
Membership in the Western History Association connects you to a vibrant network of authors, scholars, educators, curators, publishers, historians, museum professionals, students, and others interested in the study of the American West. Your annual dues support the Association’s mission of advancing and disseminating knowledge about the history of the North American West through research, publication, and education. Members benefit from the Association’s numerous opportunities for professional development and social interaction, including its conferences, meetings, regional events, and webinars; the prestigious WHA Roundup Awards Banquet; and the annual Western Historical Quarterly.
Founded in 1969, the Western Historical Quarterly publishes original scholarly articles that contribute to a better understanding of the history of the American West. The journal covers the history of the region from the Atlantic to the Pacific, with emphasis on twentieth-century regional studies, the history of the American Indian, and developments in western Canada, northern Mexico, and Hawaii. In addition, the WHA provides several scholarly awards and fellowships that support graduate student scholarship in the field of western history: the Trennert-Iverson Scholarship, Sara Jackson Award, Walter Rundell Fellowship, and the WHA-Huntington Martin Ridge Fellowship.
Western Historians care about their profession and are committed to making the field a safe and welcoming environment for all. The Association opposes discrimination and harassment in any form and encourages its members to speak out against such actions. The Association also supports efforts to educate its members and the general public about the need for academic freedom, free speech, and the value of all viewpoints.
As a member of the WHA, you can participate in the organization’s many committees and activities, from its governing body to local chapter programs and task forces. You can also apply to become a Distinguished Lecturer, receive discounts on conference registration, and receive the WHA Newsletter.
A highlight of the year is the annual conference, which takes place each summer in a city with a western historical interest. The four-day event includes a welcoming reception, author, historian, and researcher presentations, book exhibits and sales, Old West art and collectibles auctions, and more. Conference attendees also have the opportunity to take organized and guided field trips to nearby historic sites, museums, and libraries.
Each year the WHA Conference features students as a special part of its program, and the association’s Graduate Student Meal Fund helps to support their attendance. Please consider supporting this important aspect of the conference by contributing to the meal fund today or when registering for the conference. Guests of conference attendees who qualify for the meal fund are eligible to receive complimentary entry into ticketed meals. Guests of conference attendees who require an assistant or interpreter for accessibility purposes should contact the WHA office ahead of time to ensure these accommodations are made.