Benefits of Western History Association Membership
Membership benefits include an annual subscription to the award-winning journal Western History Quarterly, discounts on book purchases and conference registrations, and connection to a professional network of writers, scholars, teachers, curators, publishers, collectors, students, and others interested in the history of the North American West. Individuals and organizations may choose from several different options, including one-year, multi-year, and department memberships. Members also have access to AHA Communities, an online networking platform featuring discussion forums and blogs.
The WHA offers over 35 awards, fellowships, and scholarships to support research, teaching, and other professional development activities of individuals and institutions. See each award page for submission deadlines, committees, and past recipients.
WHA has adopted a policy on sexual harassment that reflects the Association’s commitment to an environment that encourages diversity and inclusion. Harassment of any kind impedes the pursuit of knowledge, erodes the professional integrity of all involved, and threatens the well-being of our communities. To report harassment, contact the AHA Director of Ethics and Equity.
The Association publishes an array of books and monographs that offer broad scholarly overviews, comparative studies, and synthetic assessments of important developments in the field of western history. In addition, the WHA’s library includes a significant collection of rare and out-of-print titles in the area of western history, as well as manuscripts and archives of important individuals, groups, and organizations.
WHA’s conference is a four-day event held each year in a historic western town or city. The program features author, historian, and researcher presentations, vendors selling new and rare western-themed books, first edition books & pamphlets, and Old West collectibles, and organized and guided field trips to local historic sites and museums. It concludes with the Roundup Awards Banquet. Members receive a mailing of pre-Roundup news and a free copy of the Roundup program, whether they attend or not.
Graduate students interested in pursuing careers in western history can join the WHA Graduate Student Caucus, which provides scholarship and leadership opportunities, as well as mentoring from established academics and professionals. Members also have access to the Career Center, which features job ads and an online community of historians, as well as an enhanced online library with articles and book reviews.
The WHA’s Charles Redd Center for K-12 Education sponsors the K-12 Teacher Award, which gives four teachers the opportunity to present their lesson plans at the WHA conference. The winning lessons are posted online and shared with other educators. Applicants for the award must consent to having their work posted by the Charles Redd Center and the WHA, but must retain the right to make their own copies of all materials and to grant permission for reprinting. The winner of this award will also receive a conference registration, ticket to the award ceremony, and a $1,000 award toward conference-related costs. To apply for this award, please submit a completed application by August 1. See the conference website for more information.