The Forest History Society


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The Forest History Society is a nonprofit library and archive dedicated to collecting, preserving, and disseminating forest and conservation history for all to use. The Society links the past to the future while reminding us about our important forest heritage.

As part of our mission, FHS is continually seeking innovative ways of enhancing its programs in research, publication, and education, and new methods for promoting the study of environmental history. Towards that end, you'll now find us on Facebook and Twitter and blogging at Peeling Back the Bark. We invite you to take a tour of FHS, and then explore the website and discover your forest heritage!

Weeks Act Centennial 1911-2011

Last year marked the centennial of the Weeks Act. As one historian has noted, "No single law has been more important in the return of the forests to the eastern United States." A history of the Weeks Act, along with a large collection of related materials, can be found on the U.S. Forest Service History section of our website. And on our blog, read the ongoing Weeks Act Centennial Series from forest economist Bob Healy.

Tree Farm System Archives

The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) Collection is now open to researchers. With more than 88,000 private landowner members managing 26 million acres, the ATFS has played a critical role in conserving America’s forest lands for 70 years. This important collection documents the history of tree farming in the U.S. Housed in the Alvin J. Huss Archives, it can be accessed through the ATFS online finding aid.

From Our Award-Winning Blog

Our latest "Forgotten Character from Forest History" post on Peeling Back the Bark looks at Spunky Squirrel. Created by the American Forestry Association in 1981 as a symbol for their Urban Forestry Program, Spunky was brought to life with a little help from legendary artist Rudy Wendelin. Spreading his urban forestry message to American children, while also battling the evil gypsy moth, Spunky Squirrel quickly took off. . .

New Edition of American Forests

In American Forests: A History of Resiliency and Recovery, Douglas W. MacCleery traces the history of American forests from before European settlement to today. This newly revised and updated version examines how Americans’ uses of forests continue to affect woodland conditions. Part of the Issues Series it can be found on our Publications webpage. And American Forests is available as a free download!




Weeks Act Centennial 1911-2011 Last year marked the centennial of the Weeks Act. As one historian has noted, "No single law has been more important in the return of the forests to the eastern United States." A history of the Weeks Act, along with a large collection of related materials, can be found on the U.S. Forest Service History section of our website. And on our blog, read the ongoing Weeks Act Centennial Series from forest economist Bob Healy.	Tree Farm System Archives The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) Collection is now open to researchers. With more than 88,000 private landowner members managing 26 million acres, the ATFS has played a critical role in conserving America’s forest lands for 70 years. This important collection documents the history of tree farming in the U.S. Housed in the Alvin J. Huss Archives, it can be accessed through the ATFS online finding aid.	From Our Award-Winning Blog Our latest "Forgotten Character from Forest History" post on Peeling Back the Bark looks at Spunky Squirrel. Created by the American Forestry Association in 1981 as a symbol for their Urban Forestry Program, Spunky was brought to life with a little help from legendary artist Rudy Wendelin. Spreading his urban forestry message to American children, while also battling the evil gypsy moth, Spunky Squirrel quickly took off. . .	New Edition of American Forests In American Forests: A History of Resiliency and Recovery, Douglas W. MacCleery traces the history of American forests from before European settlement to today. This newly revised and updated version examines how Americans’ uses of forests continue to affect woodland conditions. Part of the Issues Series it can be found on our Publications webpage. And American Forests is available as a free download!