The Board of Directors of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) reaffirms the values that have served as the Society’s guiding principles since its founding in 1940 and has unanimously endorsed the statement below.  

SAH is an international learned society whose mission is to advance the study, interpretation and conservation of architecture, design, landscapes, and urbanism worldwide for the benefit of all. SAH serves a diverse network of local, national and international institutions and individuals who, by profession or interest, focus on the history of the built environment and its role in shaping contemporary life. Through print and online publications, local, national and international programs, and advocacy efforts SAH promotes meaningful scholarly and public engagement with the history of the built environment. Recognizing that rigorous, wide-ranging inquiry, evidence-based argumentation, and the peer review process—values at the core of SAH's mission—are essential to sustaining the practices and institutions that nurture democracy and free, open societies, SAH reaffirms its commitment to these principles in scholarship, teaching, and advocacy.

SAH affirms its commitment to inclusivity, ethical standards, fairness, diversity in all its aspects, and respect for all. SAH is dedicated to open and informed advocacy for the built environment and the people and cultures that shape and preserve it. As a scholarly organization that is firmly rooted in the humanities, SAH will continue to advocate for all of the scholarly and public communities we serve worldwide.


Unanimously endorsed by the SAH Board of Directors
December 14, 2016