Membership Benefits

Joining the RAHS means you are supporting our educational, research and advocacy work that has been strengthening the profile of history in New South Wales since 1910. The RAHS introductory brochure provides for an overview of the Society, its history and membership benefits.

Please click on the membership box below that is most relevant to you, to learn more about the particular benefits and costs of each type of membership.

RAHS Publications and eNewsletter

Each year, you will receive four editions of History Magazine, two online editions of the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society and the Society’s regular eNewsletter. As an RAHS member you will be across developments in how we understand and engage with history as we respond to new information that changes our understanding of the past.

RAHS Library and research advice from RAHS Librarian

Membership grants you access to use the RAHS Library at History House for free. The library contains a valuable research collection of more than 60,000 items on Australian history including written and pictorial resources. The RAHS Librarian is available on-site to help with research queries. Regional-based members can email or call us for research support on their projects.

Free Member Events and Event Discounts

Face-to-Face sharing of information and knowledge occurs at the many RAHS Events. This includes lectures, excursions, workshops and seminars. We also provide webinars to broaden the reach of our training. As a member you also receive discounts to the RAHS Conference, workshops and seminars.

Connecting with the History Community

There are many opportunities to network with people who are committed to promoting local and community history and who enjoy sharing their successes and challenges with others. As well as events and the regular eNewsletters, the Society uses its social media channels and History magazine as platforms for members to share information on their research and advocacy interests.

Actively participate in Australia’s oldest historical organisation

The achievements of the RAHS are only possible due to the skill and dedication of its councillors, committee members and volunteers. As a member you have the opportunity to actively participate in the Society through nominating and voting for members of the RAHS Council, attending the Annual General Meeting, joining or supporting one of the many RAHS Committees or volunteering to work on a project or help staff with core operational activities.

Venue Hire Discount

Individual members receive a 10% discount on hiring History House as a venue for an event.

Increase sales and publicity for your society’s history publications and resources

The RAHS can help promote sales of your history publications and other resources through its eNewsletter, History magazine and social media channels. For a small administration fee, it can also sell your products on its online shop. Please contact us to further discuss these opportunities.

Individual Membership Pricing
One year Two years     One year Two years
Individual Member $81 $152 Household Pair* $95 $180
Pensioner/Seniors Card $68* $129* Pensioner/Seniors Card Pair* $82* $153*
Full Time Student (under 30 years old) $47* N/A Full Time Student (30 years and over) $68* N/A

*Student or Pensioner ID number or photocopy of card required with application.


Historical Societies and groups are eligible to apply for affiliated membership. As well as many of the benefits of individual membership, Affiliated Society members also have access to member insurance, advice on society management and the opportunity to run joint events with the RAHS.

Advice on Society Management

Running an historical organisation is both rewarding and challenging at times. The Society can provide assistance and advice regarding association management. It has a dedicated Affiliated Societies Committee whose members have many years of practical experience to share, plus RAHS Councillors and staff have a wealth of knowledge on topics related to society management.

RAHS Publications and eNewsletter

Each year, your organisation will receive four editions of History Magazine, two editions of the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society and the Society’s regular eNewsletter. As an affiliated member you will be across developments in how we understand and engage with history as we respond to new information that changes our understanding of the past.

Venue Hire Discount

Affiliated Societies receive a 10% discount on hiring History House as a venue for an event.

Free Member Events and Event Discounts, as well as opportunities to organise joint events.

Face-to-Face sharing of information and knowledge occurs at the many RAHS Events. This includes lectures, excursions, workshops and seminars. We also provide webinars to broaden the reach of our training. Many of these webinars focus on society management and skills that support history projects. As an Affiliated Society, your members also receive discounts to the RAHS Conference, workshops and seminars. The RAHS Events Committee and RAHS Staff also organise joint events with Affiliated Societies. Some examples of recent events include regional seminars, workshops, book launches and cocktail parties.

Free Access to RAHS Library and research advice from RAHS Librarian

Affiliated Membership means that members of your organisation can use the RAHS Library at History House for free when undertaking research on behalf of your organisation. The library contains a valuable research collection of more than 60,000 items on Australian history including written and pictorial resources. The RAHS Librarian is available on-site to help with research queries. Regional-based organisations can email or call us for research support on their projects.  We can also organise tours of the library for your organisation as part of a historical/research excursion of the City of Sydney.

Connecting with the History Community

There are many opportunities to network with people who are committed to promoting local and community history and who enjoy sharing their successes and challenges with others. As well as events and the regular eNewsletters, the Society uses its social media channels and History magazine as platforms for Affiliated Societies to share information on their research and advocacy interests.

Actively participate in Australia’s oldest historical organisation.

The achievements of the RAHS are only possible due to the skill and dedication of its councillors, committee members and volunteers. As an Affiliated Society member you have the opportunity to actively participate in the Society through nominating and voting for members of the RAHS Council, attending the Annual General Meeting, joining or supporting one of the many RAHS Committees or volunteering to work on a project or help staff with core operational activities.

Opportunity to work with RAHS Affiliated Societies Committee and RAHS Staff on hosting the RAHS Conference.

The RAHS Affiliated Societies Committee organises an annual conference that provides an opportunity to learn the latest developments in community and local history, as well as networking with people who share a similar passion for history. The Affiliated Society works closely with the organisation supporting the conference to organise pre and post conference events, excursions and content on the history of the local area in which the conference is taking place. Read More about the RAHS Conference.

Increase sales and publicity for your society’s history publications and resources

The RAHS can help promote sales of your organisation’s history publications and other resources through its eNewsletter, History magazine and social media channels. For a small administration fee, it can also sell your products on its online shop. Please contact us to discuss these opportunities.

Affiliated Societies Membership Pricing
One year     One year
<15 Members $82 16-30 Members $92
31-50 Members $108 51-100 Members $119
101-200 Members $163 201-300 Members $206
>300 Members $249

Note: Each Society has one vote for RAHS Elections and constitutional amendments

RAHS Publications and eNewsletter

Each year, your organisation will receive four editions of History Magazine, two online editions of the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society and the Society’s regular eNewsletter. As an RAHS member your organisation will be across developments in how we understand and engage with history as we respond to new information that changes our understanding of the past.

Connecting with the History Community – Partnership Opportunities

Corporate members have opportunities to partner with the RAHS and align their brand with a diverse network of members who share a passion for Australian history. Partners can communicate with their membership via History magazine, the eNewsletter or at the RAHS Conference, to name a few. Commitments can be in cash or in kind. Please contact us to discuss these opportunities.

Venue Hire Discount

Corporate members receive a 10% discount on hiring History House as a venue for an event.

Events and Event Discounts

The RAHS produces an exciting quarterly Calendar of Events. This includes lectures, excursions, workshops and seminars. We also provide webinars to broaden the reach of our training. As a corporate member your staff will receive discounts to the RAHS Conference, workshops and seminars.

RAHS Library and research advice from RAHS Librarian

Corporate membership means that your staff can use the RAHS Library at History House for free when undertaking research for your company. The library contains a valuable research collection of more than 60,000 items on Australian history including written and pictorial resources. The RAHS Librarian is also available on-site to help with research queries.

Actively participate in Australia’s oldest historical organisation

The achievements of the RAHS are only possible due to the skill and dedication of its councillors, committee members and volunteers. As a corporate member you have the opportunity to actively participate in the Society through your staff volunteering to work on a project or support core operational activities.

Corporate Membership Pricing - $210 per annum

RAHS publications and eNewsletter

Each year, your organisation will receive four editions of History Magazine, two online editions of the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society and the Society’s regular eNewsletter. As a subscriber your organisation will be across developments in how we understand and engage with history as we respond to new information that changes our understanding of the past.

Events and Event Discounts

The RAHS produces an exciting quarterly Calendar of Events. This includes lectures, excursions, workshops and seminars. We also provide webinars to broaden the reach of our training. As a library subscriber, your staff will receive discounts to the RAHS Conference, workshops and seminars.

RAHS Library and research advice from RAHS Librarian

As a library subscriber, your staff can use the RAHS Library at History House for free when undertaking work-related research. The library contains a valuable research collection of more than 60,000 items on Australian history including written and pictorial resources. The RAHS Librarian is also available on-site to help with research queries.

Connecting with the History Community – Partnership Opportunities

There are many opportunities to network with people who are committed to promoting local and community history and who enjoy sharing their successes and challenges with others. As well as events and the regular eNewletters, the Society uses its social media channels and History magazine as platforms for members to share information on their research and advocacy interests.

Actively participate in Australia’s oldest historical organisation

The achievements of the RAHS are only possible due to the skill and dedication of its councillors, committee members and volunteers. As a library member you have the opportunity to actively participate in the Society through your staff volunteering to work on a project or support core operational activities.

Venue Hire Discount

Subscribers receive a 10% discount on hiring History House as a venue for an event.

Subscribers - $165 per annum
Becoming a Member

By becoming a member you have access to a wide range of benefits as well as supporting the work of Australia’s oldest historical society in strengthening the profile of history in New South Wales.

Online Applications

You can join by selecting the membership type and completing the online form and payment.

Other ways to become a member

Download a membership form to apply for membership and submit via one of the following methods:

  • Mail: RAHS, History House, 133 Macquarie St. Sydney, NSW 2000
  • Email: history@rahs.org.au
  • Fax: (02) 9247 7854

Alternatively you can call into History House during opening hours. If you don’t hear from us within two business days please call (02) 9247 8001.

Purchase and Renew Membership Online
Key Membership Documents