Welcome to

The Historical Metallurgy Society

Historical Metallurgy relaunches as an Open Access journal

  • Historical Metallurgy will be online at HMSjournal.org
  • All Historical Metallurgy content will be free to access online
  • Historical Metallurgy has no publication fees for authors
  • Printed copies of Historical Metallurgy will  be in full colour

Historical Metallurgy is relaunched as a platinum open access journal from January 2022. This means the journal is free to access and free to publish in. Historical Metallurgy is positioned to be the premier outlet for research in any branch of historical- or archaeometallurgy.

The Historical Metallurgy Society is offering new membership bands to accompany the digital journal, to encourage the global community of historical metallurgists to take a stake in the success of the innovative venture. The new platform will achieve rapid publication of the work of researchers from around the world, whilst maintaining the Society’s long-standing reputation for high-quality publication and robust peer review.

HMS is a dynamic and exciting international forum for the exchange of information and research in historical metallurgy. For over fifty years we have covered all aspects of the history of metals and associated materials from prehistory to the present. Our members’ interests range from processes and production through to technology and economics, in a range of specialisms including historical research,  archaeology and conservation.

Research and Publications

Provide a forum for the exchange of information and research of our historical metallurgy, through our publications

Guidance

Through our collection of datasheets and links to other resources

Networking and Education

Hold regular conferences showcasing the latest research and providing networking opportunities

Conservation

Provide guidance and advice on the protection for our historical metallurgical heritage

Grants and Donations

Through our HMS awards grants for activities that further the aims of the Society.

Resources and Collections

Provides physical and digital access to our library, collections and archive resources

Links to our latest

New Crucibles have been added

The 107 HMS Crucible is now available online here.

October 2021

Experimental Conference definitely is happening!

The conference “Accidental and Experimental Archaeology II” will take place between the 3rd. and 5th. June 2022. This was originally planned for 2020 but had to be postponed because of Covid. See the “events” section of this website for more details.

October 2021

Welcome to our new HMS website!

We continue to update our new website. The aim was to produce an easy to use website, with new features and content. We are always keen to improve so if you can’t find anything or hit any snags please let us know here.

Some members have had problems renewing their membership online, for which we apologise. This section of the site is being revised.

Note for people registered on the old website.

The accounts from the old website have not been transferred across, so when renewing your membership you will need to re-register. This is a temporary measure and all members will be getting a note reminding them of the details they used previously, and/or giving the new log-on credentials.

October 2021

Latest Journal

Latest Journal available for purchase

  • Historical Metallurgy Vol. 40.1

    £5.00

The Crucible: Issue 107

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Contains: *A Puzzling Indian Cannon*The Whitechapel bell foundry*Anglo-Saxon iron working and the smith* (more…)

The Crucible: Issue 106

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Contains: *Traditional steelmaking in southwestern Ethiopia* Indigenous copper use on the northwest coast of North America* One Minute Interview:  Alessandra Guimlia-Mair * The Elsecar Heritage Action Zone   (more…)

Accidental and Experimental Archaeology II

June 2022

Research in Progress Meeting 13 November 2021 – Zoom

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Research in Progress 2021. The Annual conference at which researchers, including research students, offer the community a view of the work in which they are engaged. (more…)

Accidental and Experimental Archaeometallurgy 2.2 Conference.

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Postponed until June 2022. A experimental archaeometallurgy conference with a mixture of demonstrations, practical activities and oral presentations, held at the Ancient Technology Centre, Cranborne. (more…)
Past Events

A Metallurgical Miscellany & HMS AGM

Half-day online conference covering a Metallurgical Miscellany preceding the Historical Metallurgy Society AGM (more…)
Past Events
Metallurgical Miscellany Event
Past Events
HMS 50th Anniversary Conference
Past Events
100th Anniversary of Stainless Steel
Past Events
Iron Age East Yorkshire
Past Events
More copper, zinc and brass