About Us

The Society of American Historians combines in its membership both academic historians and professional writers of American history. Membership, by invitation only, is limited to 250 historians and 16 publishers. Their selection is based on a demonstrated commitment to the concept of literary distinction in the writing and publishing of history and biography. The society is supported by annual contributions from both fellows and publishers and from SAH-authored publications.

Since 1957, when the SAH inaugurated the annual Francis Parkman Prize for the best-written American history, the society's chief activity has been to identify and celebrate distinguished historical writing. The annual Allan Nevins Prize for the publication of a dissertation was established in 1961, and the biennial James Fenimore Cooper Prize for American historical fiction was inaugurated in 1993. The society awards two other prizes for scholarly and professional distinction: the Bruce Catton Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Writing of History and the Francis Parkman Prize for Special Achievement, established in 1984 and 1962, respectively.