Local history society directory

Local history society directory

Find a local history organisation near you or to support your research project.

Local history resource directory

Local history resource directory

Explore our Resource Directory — a curated collection of archives, maps, publications, and specialist websites to support and inspire your local history research.

Become a member

Become a member

Join a national network of local historians and societies — with publications, support, increased visibility, and member benefits including discounts and dedicated insurance.

Quarterly publications

Quarterly publications

The Local Historian, our academic journal, was first produced in 1952 and is considered one of the foremost local history publications. It is published four times a year in conjunction with Local History News.

Our educational work

Our educational work

BALH aims to encourage interest and enthusiasm for local history amongst learners of all ages and to share and promote best practice, knowledge and skills.

Featured member society

Featured member society

BALH member societies may now add details of their work to our website, which will be highlighted here. Contact us for further details

Why BALH?

Nick Barratt Historian and Author

Supporting your academic research

There is an increasing interest in local history as a key element of academic studies – not just the content that has been published by local historians over the decades as a key research resource, but also in co-produced projects. Grant-awarding bodies such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) have placed an increasing emphasis on collaborations and partnerships when considering the award of research funding, and BALH provides the perfect platform for academic researchers to locate key groups and ongoing activity.

Nick Barratt, Historian and Author

Meet the team

Martin Watts  Trustee

Martin Watts

Martin began his career in the Merchant Navy, sparking a lifelong passion for history. He earned his BA (Hons) and PhD in Modern History through part-time study with the Open University. With over 30 years of university teaching experience, he has served as Senior Lecturer and Principal Research Fellow at Canterbury Christ Church University and continues as an Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Martin has authored two books and delivers engaging history talks across London and the Southeast. His expertise spans industrial, military, naval, and political history from the 18th to 20th centuries. More at talkabouthistory.org.

Martin Watts , Trustee

From our archives

The Amateur Historian Volume 3 Number 7 Spring 1958

When they celebrated May-Day

Hoppé, E.O.

pp 298-299

Brief study of the May Day holiday and the traditional celebrations held on that occasion in various parts of the country: at the time of the article's appearance this holiday had long since lapsed.

The Amateur Historian Volume 3 Number 7 Spring 1958

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