Closing dates for next applications:
15 December 2025 and 9 March 2026
The Royal Historical Society represents the interests of historical researchers in universities, libraries, archives, museums, heritage and broadcasting, as well as those engaged in public, community and family history research.
There are four ways to join and be part of the Society: as a Fellow, an Associate Fellow, a Postgraduate Member and a Member. Each category caters for historians and researchers from different backgrounds, career stages and levels of interest in the past. Before applying to join the RHS, please read more on each of the four categories to find the option that’s most suitable to you.
We currently have a worldwide membership of over 6,500 historians, of all kinds, engaged in researching, presenting and publishing history. The Society welcomes historians of all kinds, both from within Higher Education and related sectors, such as heritage, museums and libraries, as well as those interested in the past, but not employed in a history-related profession. Annual subscriptions paid by the membership are essential to sustaining our work and supporting our activities.
RHS Fellows, Associate Fellows, Postgraduate Members and Members are entitled to a range of benefits which are listed on the respective pages.
Forthcoming application dates for 2025 and 2026
Applications to join the Society are welcome through the year. The remaining closing date for 2025 is: Monday 15 December 2025.
Application deadlines for 2026 are as follows: Mondays 9 March 2026, 11 May 2026, 27 July 2026, 5 October 2026, 14 December 2026.
Rejoining the Society as a Fellow or Member
If your Fellowship or Membership has lapsed / has been cancelled, and you would like to re-join the Society, please contact our Membership department at [email protected] in the first instance. We will be glad to assist you.
