CALH, along with other local and family history societies, have campaigned for better access to records and the need to provide training in the necessary skills for using them, as well as developing increasingly sophisticated methods for researching and displaying family histories.  For instance in 2004, in association with the BBC and the Big Lottery, we held an Oral History workshop, recording stories of how local people coped on the Home Front during the Second World War.

Archaeology has attracted others and professional and technological developments have helped to greatly increase the information available about the County's recent as well as distant past.

With so many societies and interests at many levels, the CALH believes there is a need for a forum for discussion and exchange of information. The CALH Executive Committee includes a former county archivist, the current deputy county achivist from the County Record Office and Archive Service, the head librarian from Cambridgeshire Collection and Local Studies Service, a former curator from the Folk Museum, as well as active local and family historians and archaeologists.

The CALH acts as a representative body for local history in the County of Cambridgeshire. It is a member of the British Association for Local History and representative on the County's Archives Advisory Panel.  Corporate members include Anglia Ruskin University, The Institute of Continuing Education, the Extra Mural Board and The Cambridge Preservation Society.

Since its foundation in 1951, the CALH has published a regular journal with articles on a wide range of Cambridgeshire topics, people, buildings and village histories contributed by members and others. In 1992 the name was changed from the Bulletin to the Review. The journal is published annually in the autumn. CALH recently started a Newsletter with information about local history activities and appeals for information from members and others.

The CALH also manages a county wide information network.  This service provides every county local or social history society with the opportunity to send news of its programme or any up coming events to every other society in the county via a central group block email.  It also keeps all the counties societies up to date with national and local news.  Via its many pyramid links it now reaches over 600 individual outlets.  If you would like to send information about your group please contact the CALH Secretary

We also organise monthly lectures on a wide variety of subjects. These are held in Cambridge, from October to April each year. Our Individual and Family members, as well as the members of our Affiliated/Corporate groups, clubs and societies can attend these lectures for free. Guests and non-members interested in local history are more than welcome to attend, but we do ask them to pay £2 per lecture.

In February, we hold either an Annual Conference or History Fair. In May, we hold our AGM and Award Ceremony in an outlying village. After an excellent village tea, we usually have a local guest speaker, displays and walkabout. In the summer months, we arrange excursions and visits to places of historical interest.

"With One Heart Let Us be Men of Understanding"

The above is the translation of "Corde Uno Sapientes Simus", the motto of the Cambridgeshire Arms, that we have recently been given permission to adopt for the use of the Association.  These words strongly reflect the hopes and desires of the men and women who in 1951 set this Association into action. 

55 years down the road, the present day Officers and Committee Members of the Cambridgeshire Association for Local History have taken up this beacon and will continue to strive to stay true to these words and work even harder to secure the future for the study and enjoyment of the History of our Ancestors and our wonderful County of Cambridgeshire. 

CALH Executive Committee

To download a copy of the list of past officers from 1951 - 2008 click here