Who Are We?

The American Academy of Research Historians of Medieval Spain (AARHMS) brings together scholars whose research focuses on the lands and peoples of the Iberian peninsula and associated territories from the period spanning roughly 400-1500CE. AARHMS was founded in 1974 by the generation which pioneered the modern, English-language study of medieval Spanish history; founders, and early officers and members include luminaries such as Father Robert I. Burns, S.J., Thomas Bisson, J.N. Hillgarth, Joseph O'Callaghan, Bernard F. Reilly and Lynn H. Nelson. Subsequently, the Academy became a venue of communication and collaboration for their many doctoral students, who came in turn to define this field through their own work. At the sime time, AARHMS became well-known through its active role in organizing and sponsoring sesssions at major conferences, such as the International Medieval Congress at Kalamazoo, and the Annual Meeting of the American Historical Association. As a consequence, North American scholars from a range of dsiciplines, and leading UK and European historians joined our community. Today AARHMS is committed to further growth, aiming to reach out to the newest generation of medieval Hispanists of all disciplines, in the Americas, Europe and beyond.