Welcome to the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG) web page—a resource that draws from and highlights a rich mix of federal history work performed by public, academic, and private historians, as well as archivists, curators, documentary editors, preservationists, and others.

A pioneering group of historians from various federal agencies and individuals working with federal records founded the SHFG in September 1979 to promote their new but burgeoning community. As a result of their efforts, the Society became a nexus for sharing ideas among, stimulating discussion about, and showcasing the work of those interested in federal history. It has also regularly served as an advocate for advancing causes vital to that unique community.

In the decades that followed, the Society also attracted students and young professionals seeking to become federal history practitioners. I speak from experience in this regard. As a beginning history graduate student following the traditional academic career track, federal history seemed, at first blush, mysterious. My program, like so many others, offered few alternatives to classroom teaching. But the allure of federal history soon became apparent. In large measure through the SHFG, I discovered a vibrant, thriving community of historians working in federal agencies and with federal records.

It’s in that spirit of discovery that I hope you’ll make use of this web site, whether you’re a veteran of federal history looking to keep current with the projects of colleagues in the community or, if you’re a history student, wondering just what possibilities this field holds. There is a little here for everyone, from reviews and synopses of new books and exhibitions, to the online Federal History Journal, to information about our popular annual events such as the springtime annual conference and the Hewlett Lecture each fall.

Please consider becoming a member of the Society. Members receive a monthly e-bulletin that contains news about programs, events, and job postings for historians and related professionals within federal agencies, as well as The Federalist, our quarterly newsletter of information on SHFG activities, federal historical offices, and topics of current interest.

A large measure of the Society’s success is due to the hard work of volunteers and the vision of our diverse membership. We welcome your active participation!

Matt Wasniewski