North American Society for Oceanic History

Bringing oceanic stories to the surface

The North American Society for Oceanic History (NASOH) is a vibrant community of historians, researchers, educators, and enthusiasts dedicated to promoting the study and appreciation of maritime and naval history across North America. Founded in the 1970s, it serves as a bridge between academic scholarship and public maritime heritage.

How it all began

NASOH was founded in 1972 by a group of scholars and museum professionals who saw the need for an organization that could foster research and public understanding of North America's rich maritime past. From early explorations to naval strategy, from merchant shipping to coastal communities, NASOH aimed to connect diverse threads of oceanic history through dialogue and discovery.

What’s its role?

NASOH supports maritime history by:

• Organizing annual conferences that bring together academics, curators, students, and independent researchers
• Publishing the journal The Northern Mariner / Le marin du nord in collaboration with the Canadian Nautical Research Society
• Promoting naval and maritime research through awards, networking, and outreach
• Encouraging interdisciplinary approaches – history, archaeology, anthropology, geography, and more

It provides a dynamic and inclusive platform for both scholarly and public engagement.

For whom is it useful?

• Maritime and naval historians in the US, Canada, and Mexico
• Graduate students and early-career researchers
• Museum professionals and maritime archaeologists
• Educators integrating oceanic history into broader curricula
• Enthusiasts of naval, shipping, and port history

Why it’s important

NASOH ensures that maritime history remains visible in the North American cultural landscape. Its cross-border approach (U.S. + Canada especially) helps build bridges between academic institutions and maritime museums, and between national perspectives and shared oceanic narratives.

It plays a key role in preserving North America’s maritime identity – not as a footnote, but as a living current within its social and political history.

Lessons from the Past

• Understanding naval and merchant marine history can reveal much about economic development, diplomacy, and national security
• Collaborative publishing across borders (e.g. The Northern Mariner) strengthens knowledge-sharing and multilingual scholarship

Did you know?

NASOH’s annual conferences often take place at historic port cities or naval academies, immersing participants in the environments that shaped the very histories they study.

Reflective Questions

1. How does regional maritime history shape the identity of coastal communities today?
2. What can cross-border collaborations (like NASOH’s journal) teach us about the future of maritime research?