What’s changing?

Starting September 1, 2025, AHA members* who opt to receive paper copies of the American Historical Review will be asked to pay an additional fee. Digital access will continue to be included with your membership at no additional cost.

*This change does not apply to 50-year and life members.

Does this affect AHA publications other than the AHR?

This change does not apply to Perspectives on History or the annual meeting Program. Members may still opt to receive paper copies of Perspectives and the Program at no additional charge. International members will continue to pay a $25 postage fee if they receive any publications in print. 

Why is the AHA making this change?

  • Our publisher, Oxford University Press, is shifting to fully digital journal publication.
  • Rising printing and mailing costs have made it increasingly expensive to produce and distribute paper copies of the AHR.
  • This shift will allow us to continue offering paper copies without raising membership dues. To avoid increasing fees for members who prefer digital access, we are asking only those who want paper copies to pay an additional fee.
  • Environmental sustainability is a priority for the AHA, and offering opt-in for paper copies helps reduce our carbon footprint.

Will I still get access to the journal if I don’t pay for paper copies?

Yes. All members will continue to receive unlimited digital access to current and past issues of the American Historical Review as part of their membership. 

How do I access the journal online?

  • To access ebook versions of past issues, see the Mobile AHR page.
  • To access the AHR on Oxford University Press’s website:
    • Log in to your account at historians.org/myaha.
    • On the MY AHA page, click the “Access the AHR” link at the top of the left column or scroll down in the white part of the page until you see the section AHA Publications on the left side. Click the link under that for ”American Historical Review at Oxford University Press.”
    • Next, click the link to “Continue to the AHR.”
    • On the Oxford website at academic.oup.com/ahr, click “Issues” in the menu for current and past issues of the AHR.
  • Login questions can be sent to members@historians.org.

What action do I need to take? 

We are instituting this change on September 1, 2025, and it will apply to any membership renewals and new memberships processed after that date. If you currently receive paper copies and would like to continue to do so, you can opt in when you next renew your membership. If you would like to access new issues of the journal digitally, no action is needed.  

How much will the paper subscription cost?

The paper opt-in costs $100 and includes a year’s worth of AHR issues.

Where can I find the option to opt in to receive paper copies? 

On the Membership Dues page on the renewal and new member forms, select the Member Add On dropdown and click the radio button under Paper American Historical Review. 

Can I change my preference later?

Yes. The paper option is located in your member profile at historians.org/myaha. Log in and click “Update My Information” under My Personal Account. Click through the form until you see “Privacy and Mailing Options.” The option to opt out is available at the bottom of that page. 

What if I already paid for a multiyear membership?

If you currently receive paper copies as part of a multiyear membership, you will continue to receive paper copies at no charge through the end of your membership date, after which you can opt in for future paper copies when you renew.

What if I have a 50-year or life membership? 

50-year and life members will continue to receive paper copies without charge as part of their memberships. They have the option to opt out, and can do so at historians.org/myaha or contact us. 

I have more questions—who can I talk to?

Please contact our membership team at members@historians.org or call us at 202.544.2422, ext. 2. We’re happy to help.