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

Laura Yeoman Trustee

Laura Yeoman

Laura, a qualified archivist passionate about local history and education, is the Access and Digital Engagement Archivist at the Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, where she also specializes in medieval studies. Previously, she worked at Explore York Libraries and Archives, engaging with local history groups and managing manuscript, photographic, and reference collections. She teaches medieval palaeography and supports the university’s Digital Creativity programme. Outside work, she mentors for the Archives and Records Association, reviews for Archives and Records Journal, and serves as Treasurer for ARA’s Archives for Learning and Education Section.

Laura Yeoman, Trustee

From our archives

The Amateur Historian Volume 2 Number 2 October November 1954

Village history: a photographic record

Heymer, Edward

pp 41-43

Discussion of the value of photography in recording aspects of local history: i) photographs of buildings, landmarks and street scenes; ii) indexing and captioning pictures; iii) equipment for picture shows; iv) exhibitions; v) collecting old photographs; and vi) photographs of documents and other historical items. 

The Amateur Historian Volume 2 Number 2 October November 1954

Subscribe to our e-newsletter for regular updates

  • Your details will be used solely to send you news and information communications from BALH and will not be passed on to a third-party.

Thank you for subscribing