North American Conference on British Studies (NACBS)

The North American Conference on British Studies (NACBS) is a scholarly society dedicated to all aspects of the study of British history, literature, society and culture. The NACBS sponsors a scholarly journal, the Journal of British Studies, online publications, an annual conference, as well as several academic prizes, graduate fellowships, and undergraduate essay contests.

Our History

Founded in 1950, the NACBS was known in its early years simply as the Conference on British Studies (CBS). The conference became affiliated with the American Historical Association (AHA) in 1952, and was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1965. It adopted its current name in 1980. The NACBS has six regional affiliates. These include the Middle Atlantic (MACBS), Midwest (MWCBS), North East (NECBS), Pacific Coast (PCCBS), Southern (SCBS), Western (WCBS).

Affiliates

The NACBS also has a close and formal relationship with H-Albion, the H-Net Discussion Network for British and Irish History. H-Albion acts as a principal outlet for e-mail dissemination of NACBS information such as call for papers for conferences and conference programs.​

Additionally, the NACBS has a formal relationship with the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) at the University of London. Founded in 1921 by A. F. Pollard, the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) is an important resource and meeting place for researchers from all over the world. The NACBS encourages its members to join the American Friends of the IHR. The American Friends of the IHR (AFIHR) was founded to help the Institute by providing funds for particular projects.

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NACBS also coordinate two fellowship programs through the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Huntington Library.