In general we aim to initiate or support Avon-wide local history activities, to share information and ideas, and to speak for local history interests where necesssary. Some of the regular services we provide are:

We have recently embarked on the project of publishing compact books on aspects of Avon's history. The first five titles are The Medieval Friaries, Hospitals & Chapelries of Bristol by Joe Bettey, doyen of the history of this area; The Blue Maids Orphanage by Mary Wright, author of the BBHA booklet no. 87, on Dr Elizabeth Blackwell; and Alternative Annals of Avon History by William Evans, a frequent contributor to our Newsletter of history which never got around to happening but should have (illustrated by Simon Gurr; and Dr Goodeve and Cook's Folly by Michael Whitfield, himself a doctor, which tells the story of a Victorian doctor who made a great contribution to medical education in India, before retiring to the picturesque ruin over the Bristol Gorge. The latest is The Bristol Dock Company, 1803-1848 by Peter Malpass, professor of housing and ubans studies at the University of the West of England and co-author with Ady King of Bristol's Floating Harbour.

Each year we hold a full day's conference on some local history topic, with presentations from both amateur and professional historians, and of course displays by local history societies and institutions.

A booklet with the names and contact details of some sixty available speakers with a list of the topics they offer. The Programme Secretary's prop! Currently we aim to bring out an updated edition every year, which also includes organised walks and visits.

Each month from May to August there is a guided walk in some part of the region, or a visit to some place of special interest not generally open to the public.

There are some seventy societies in ALHA: and the members of these come to over 3,500. Some are region-wide but with special interests like the Bristol & Avon Family History Society; many parish- or district-based. (See Groups) We also reckon to keep in touch with institutions, such as Record Offices, Libraries, Museums and Universities, many of which are also subscribers. (See Sources) We are managed by an elected Executive Committee meeting once a quarter, and operate through a small number of voluntary officers.

ALHA was founded in 1976 with the then new County of Avon. Avon County has long since been abolished, but ALHA still flourishes as an independent organisation owing nothing to local or national government. ALHA flourishes because, whether politicians choose to incorporate it or not, the Avon region is an economic and social and historical entity, not so much separate from as special within the grand historic counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire.