June 23, 2009
Letters of Introduction: A Valuable Tool when Conducting Overseas Research
By Matthew Keough
It is sometimes difficult to gain access to institutions while doing research abroad. This is why the American Historical Association (AHA) provides Letters of Introduction to assist researchers in gaining access to foreign research facilities, special collections, and government archives. These letters are very effective because the executive director signs them and they are embossed with the official seal of the AHA. The only requirement for obtaining the letters is that one must be an AHA member. If interested, please submit a request to Matthew Keough via e-mail or by mail at
American Historical Association
400 A Street SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
Attn: Matthew Keough
The following information should be included in the request. Please be as brief as possible.
- The address where you will be receiving the Letters of Introduction.
- The name of the research institution(s) that you will be using while conducting your research overseas.
- Your name.
- Your academic/professional status (e.g. PhD candidate, professor).
- Your affiliation.
- Your AHA member number.
- A brief description of your research topic.
- The type of sources/material you will be using.
- The information you hope to gain from researching in these foreign institutions. What is the goal of your research project?
