Society of Architectural Historians

The Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) is a nonprofit membership organization that promotes the study, interpretation and conservation of architecture, design, landscapes, and urbanism worldwide. Founded in 1940, SAH serves a 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. SAH promotes meaningful public engagement with the history of the built environment through advocacy efforts, print and online publications, and local, national and international programs.

SAH is headquartered in the historic Charnley-Persky House, designed by the team of Chicago architects Louis H. Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright.  It was constructed in 1891-1892 for the 19^th-century serial entrepreneur, James Charnley, and his wife, Helen, who also were friends of Louis Sullivan.  Charnley-Persky House tours every Wednesday and Saturday at noon.  See tour schedule on this page.