Free Magazine Archives – History Free Magazines Archive

American Heritage – History Free Magazines Archive

American Heritage Magazine Website

1949- Present

American Heritage 40-Year Cumulative Index 1954-1994

U.S.: American Heritage

“Dedicated to covering the history of the United States of America for a mainstream readership. Until 2007, the magazine was published by Forbes. Since that time, Edwin S. Grosvenor has been its publisher. Print publication was suspended early in 2013, but the magazine relaunched in digital format with the Summer 2017 issue.” – Wikipedia.
American Heritage magazine, which publishes articles mostly about American history, has a free archive of all its issues at its website, including the current issue. American Heritage magazine archive. Free history magazines pdf.

Magazine of American History – Old Magazines Online Free

Vol 1 – 30 (1877- 1893)

Index 1877-1893

Vol 30-32, 38-46 (1902-1904, 1910-1916)

Boston

The Magazine of American History with Notes and Queries was established as a monthly in 1877 by non-academic historians Martha J. Lamb (who served as editor), Nathan G. Pond, and John A. Stevens. It ceased publication in 1893. In 1901 the magazine was re-started as simply The Magazine of American History, and lasted through Volume 47 in 1917. Not all volumes in this archive were found online.

American Historical Review – History Free Magazines Archive

Vol 1 (1895) – Vol 32 (1927)

New York

“The American Historical Review (AHR) is the official publication of the American Historical Association (AHA). The AHA was founded in 1884 and chartered by Congress in 1889 to serve the interests of the entire discipline of history. Aligning with the AHA’s mission, the AHR has been the journal of record for the historical profession in the United States since 1895 – one of the few journals in the world that brings together scholarship from every major field of historical study.” -Website of American Historical Review. Read magazines online free.

Blackwood’s Magazine – Free Magazine Archives

Issues 1817 (vol 2) – 1927 at HathiTrust

Issues 1817-1980 at Internet Archive (Black & White)

Edinburgh, Scotland: Blackwood

Launched in 1817 by publisher William Blackwood and originally called the ‘Edinburgh Monthly Magazine’, Blackwood’s was an outlet for aggressive Tory (Conservative party) political views. It contained satire, reviews and criticism, as well as poetry and literary works. It ceased publication in 1980, having remained under Blackwood family ownership for its entire active life. – from info in Wikipedia. Read magazines online free.

DeBow’s Review – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 1 (Old series) – Vol 7 (New Series) (1846-1869)

New Orleans

DeBow’s Review was An important and influential magazine of the southern U.S. “Prior to the American Civil War of 1861-1865, the journal contained everything from agricultural reports, statistical data, and economic analysis to literature, political opinion, and commentary. The magazine took an increasingly pro-Southern and eventually secessionist perspective in the late 1850s and early 1860s. It defended slavery in response to abolitionism, published an article in the 1850s that urged the South to resume the African slave trade, and advocated southern nationalism as the Civil War approached.” – Wikipedia. DeBow’s Review. Vintage magazine archive online free.

Department of State Bulletin – Free Magazine Archives

1939-1989

Washington D.C.: U.S. Government

The Bulletin was the official record of U.S. foreign policy. It was established to provide Congress, other agencies, and the public information about U.S. foreign policy and the work of the Department of State and the Foreign Service. Publication was discontinued in 1989.
“This periodical will be published weekly and will contain the texts of press releases, information regarding treaties, and other material on current developments in American foreign relations and the work of the Department of State. It will take the place of the Department’s weekly pamphlet “Press Releases” and monthly “Treaty Information” bulletin, which are being discontinued with the issues for June 1939. Indexes to “The Department of State Bulletin” will be prepared and published semiannually.” – Announcement in the initial issue, 1 July 1939. Free history magazines pdf.

The Fortnightly Review – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 1 (1865) – Vol 118 (1922)

London: Chapman and Hall

“The Fortnightly Review was one of the most prominent and influential magazines in nineteenth-century England. It was founded in 1865 by Anthony Trollope, Frederic Harrison, Edward Spencer Beesly, and six others with an investment of £9,000; the first edition appeared on 15 May 1865. George Henry Lewes, the partner of George Eliot, was its first editor, followed by John Morley. – Wikipedia. British magazines from 19th Century.

The Gentleman’s Magazine – Free Magazine Archives

Issues 1731-1907

London, UK: Edward Cave & others

The first English periodical to be called a “magazine”. Founder Edward Cave’s “innovation was to create a monthly digest of news and commentary on any topic the educated public might be interested in, from commodity prices to Latin poetry. It carried original content from a stable of regular contributors, as well as extensive quotations and extracts from other periodicals and books. It was read throughout the English-speaking world and continued to flourish through the 18th century and much of the 19th century under a series of different editors and publishers.” – Wikipedia
The collection at this HathiTrust link appears to contain a complete run, from the magazine’s founding in 1731 to the end of general publication in 1907. The numbering of volumes at the link is irregular: Vol 1 is the 5th item, Vol 2 is about 25th, etc. Indexes are in the list. First magazine, magazines from 1700s.

Harper’s Weekly: A Journal of Civilization – Free Magazine Archives

1859-1916

New York: Harper’s Magazine Co.

An American political magazine based in New York City. Published by Harper & Brothers from 1857 until 1916, it featured foreign and domestic news, fiction, essays on many subjects, and humor, alongside illustrations. It carried extensive coverage of the American Civil War. The publisher also produced a monthly magazine. – Wikipedia. Old Harper’s magazines. Free back issues of magazines.

Heritage Quarterly – History Free Magazines Archive

Heritage New Zealand Website

Issues 2019 – Present

Wellington, New Zealand: Heritage New Zealand

“Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is the leading national historic heritage agency. We operate in an environment marked by a growing interest in heritage, recognition of its social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits to our country, and awareness of its importance to national identity.” – Website. Free history magazines pdf.

HistoryNet – History Free Magazines Archive

HistoryNet Magazine Website

Archives

Arlington, VA: HistoryNet

“HistoryNet.com is brought to you by Historynet LLC, the world’s largest publisher of history magazines. HistoryNet.com contains daily features, photo galleries and over 5,000 articles originally published in our various magazines.” – Website
To access previous articles, click the “hamburger” menu icon on the top left, and find articles in the categories provided there.

Illustrated War News – Free Magazine Archives

1916-1918

London, UK: Illustrated London News and Sketch

A weekly British magazine covering World War I, and consisting largely of photos from the front. Free history magazines.

The Independent – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 50 (1898) – Vol 110 (1923)

New York

“Originally a religious weekly but now a weekly devoted principally to discussions of current events and tendencies. Both sides of controverted questions are usually represented and briefs of debates on current questions are frequently included. Used in many high schools in the study of literature, history and civics.” – F. K. Walter, Periodicals for the Small Library, ALA 1918. Vintage magazines online. Magazines from 1910s.

Kansas History: A Journal of the Central Plains – Free Magazine Archives

Kansas History Magazine Website – Issues 1875 – Present

Topeka, Kansas: Kansas Historical Foundation

“This scholarly journal publishes new research on Kansas and western history and offers interesting, well-illustrated articles that appeal to both the serious student and the general reader.” – Website. History magazines pdf.

Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine – Free Magazine Archives

Vols 1-97 (1868-1916)

Philadelphia

Lippincott’s began life in 1868 as ‘Lippincott’s Magazine of Literature, Science, and Education’. It moved to New York in 1915 and was renamed McBride’s. A year later it disappeared, absorbed into Scribner’s Magazine (also found on this Web page). Vintage magazines online free.

McClure’s Magazine – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 1 (1893) – Vol 59 (1927)

New York

McClure’s magazine (1893-1929) is credited with having started the tradition of muckraking journalism (investigative, watchdog or reform journalism), and helped shape the moral compass of the day. The magazine featured both political and literary content, publishing serialized novels-in-progress, a chapter at a time. In this way, McClure’s published such writers as Willa Cather, Arthur Conan Doyle, Herminie T. Kavanagh, Rudyard Kipling, Jack London, Lincoln Steffens, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Mark Twain. Examples of its work include Ida Tarbell’s series in 1902 exposing the monopoly abuses of John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company, and Ray Stannard Baker’s earlier look at the United States Steel Corporation, which focused the public eye on the conduct of corporations. – Wikipedia.  Old magazines from 1900s. Free back issues of magazines.

The Nation – Free Magazine Archives

Magazine Website

1865-1927

1865-1961 at Internet Archive (Black & White)

New York

The Nation is the oldest continuously published weekly magazine in the U.S., and was a successor to abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison’s Liberator. It was established in 1865 in Manhattan, and established a reputation for taking on reform causes. In 1881 it was acquired by Henry Villard, who transformed it into a weekly literary supplement for his daily newspaper New York Evening Post. -from info at Wikipedia.
“The Nation is America’s oldest weekly magazine and is independently published. The Nation speaks to an engaged audience as a champion of civil liberties, human rights, and economic justice.” – The Nation Magazine. Magazines from 1800s to 1950s. Free old magazines download.

New England Magazine – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 1-6; Series 2 Vol 1-56 (1884-1917)

Boston

This publication began in 1884 as The Bay State Monthly; subtitled “A Massachusetts Magazine of Literature, History, Biography, and State Progress”. Beginning with Volume 4 the title became The New England Magazine. After volume 6 it was issued as a “New Series” with NS Vol 1 containing issues from September 1889 – Feb 1890. The page linked here has all volumes from 1884 to 1917, when it ceased publication. New England Magazine. Vintage magazines online.

The New Republic; A Journal of Opinion – Free Magazine Archives

Magazine Website

Vol 1 (1914) – Vol 36 (1923)

1914-1961 (Black & White)

New York

“An American magazine of commentary on politics, contemporary culture, and the arts. Founded in 1914 by several leaders of the progressive movement, it attempted to find a balance between “a liberalism centered in humanitarian and moral passion and one based in an ethos of scientific analysis” – Wikipedia. Magazines from 1910s 1920s.

Newsweek – Free Magazine Archives

Magazine Website

1933-2008

U.S. – Newsweek

“This weekly news magazine covers the national and global news front through news, commentary and analysis. It includes national and international affairs, business, lifestyle, society, the arts, politics, the economy, personal business, the Washington scene, health, science and technology.” – Newsweek Magazine. Magazines from 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, etc. Free old magazines download.

Niles’ Weekly Register – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 1 (1811) – Vol 75 (1849)

Baltimore, MD

“Containing political, political, historical, geographical, scientifical, statistical, economical, and biographical documents, essays and facts; together with notices of the arts and manufactures, and a record of the events of the times.”
Vols 5, 7-9, 15-16, 23, 38 and 43 contain supplements.
Hezekiah Niles (1777-1839) was the editor until 1836, when he was succeeded by his son, William Ogden Niles. Jeremiah Hughes bought the Register in 1839 and edited it until it was discontinued in 1849.

“… in the first half of the 19th century, the Register was as well-known as the New York Times and Washington Post are known today. From 1811 to 1849, it was the principal window through which many Americans looked out on their country and the world. The scope of the work was immense, its circulation was large (the largest in the United States, by some accounts) … “
– W.H. Earle, “Niles Register, 1811-1849: Window on the World” Website (defunct). Old magazine archives.

The Nineteenth Century – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 1 (1877) – Vol 48 (1900)

London: Henry S. King & Co.

“‘The Nineteenth Century Magazine’ was a British monthly literary magazine founded in 1877 by Sir James Knowles. Many of the early contributors to The Nineteenth Century were members of the Metaphysical Society. The journal was intended to publish debate by leading intellectuals.
In 1901 the title was changed to ‘The Nineteenth Century and After’ (below), and was again changed in 1951 to The ‘Twentieth Century’. The magazine continued until 1972. – Wikipedia. Vintage magazines online.

The Nineteenth Century and After – Free Magazine Archives

1921-1927

London: Henry S. King & Co.

Originally known at ‘The Nineteenth Century’, this British magazine was renamed ‘The Nineteenth Century and After’ in the 1901 issue. Free old magazines from 1900s.

North American Review – Free Magazine Archives

1815-1927

1815 to 1939

Boston

“One of America’s leading literary journals of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Early contributors included William Cullen Bryant, Daniel Webster, John Adams, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Francis Parkman. Two of the Review‘s best-known editors, in the 1860s and 1870s, were James Russell Lowell and Henry Adams. In the late 1870s, under new ownership, the Review was transformed into a national periodical noted “for its critical influence and outstanding writing concerning social and political issues”. Contributors then included William Gladstone, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Mark Twain and H.G. Wells.” – Encyclopedia Britannica online. Magazines from 1800s, magazines from 1930s.

The Outlook Magazine – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 48 (1893) to Vol 147 (1927)

New York

“One of the best-known weeklies dealing with current events. Continuation of the Christian Union, which forms volumes 1-47 of the series. Each number is illustrated. Contains discussions of and editorial comments on social and political matters with one or more rather lengthy literary articles. The editorials are able and the whole magazine reflects the personality of its editorial staff. Strongly in favor of social reforms but not inclined toward drastic measures. A very timely reference aid on current events and much used for this purpose in high schools.” – F. K. Walter, Periodicals for the Small Library, ALA 1918. Magazines from 1890s to 1920s. Free old magazines download.

Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies – History Free Magazines Archive

Pennsylvania History Magazine Website – Issues up to 2013

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Historical Association

“A quarterly journal that publishes the best of current scholarship on the history of the Commonwealth and the region. In addition to regular articles, the journal features annotated documents, book reviews, and reviews of museum exhibits, films, and historical collections. Published since 1934, Pennsylvania History is the official journal of the Pennsylvania Historical Association (PHA).” – Website. Free history magazines pdf.

Prologue – Free Magazine Archives

1982-2017

Washington, DC: U.S. National Archives & Records Administration

“Prologue magazine brings readers stories based on the rich holdings and programs of the National Archives across the nation—from Washington, DC, to the regional archives and the Presidential libraries. Access many of our articles online. Prologue was published quarterly by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for nearly 50 years. The Winter 2017–18 issue was the last printed edition.” – National Archives. Free history magazines pdf.

The Saber and Scroll Journal – Free Magazine Archives

The Saber and Scroll Journal Website

Issues 2015 – Present

Washington DC: American Public University

The official journal of the American Public University’s Historical Studies Honor Society.

The Spectator – Free Magazine Archives

The Spectator Website

1828-1927 at Internet Archive (Black & White)

London, UK

The oldest weekly magazine in the world, founded in 1828 by Scottish reformer Robert Stephen Rintoul. ” – Wikipedia. It still exists. Free old magazines download.

Stars and Stripes Newspaper – Free Magazine Archives

Issues 1943-1945

U.S. Armed Forces

The Stars and Stripes is a newspaper produced by the U.S. Armed Forces for its personnel. Issues in this set were published on the Africa front (1943) and then on the Mediterranean front (1943-1945) during World War II. The newspaper covered both war and non-war news. Free online history magazines pdf.

Survey – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 6 (1901) – Vol 58 (1927)

New York

“Discusses all movements, public and private, whose purpose is social improvement. Very widely used in club and church work and by high school debaters, as well as by more special social workers. Formerly called Charities Review and Charities and the Commons.” – F. K. Walter, Periodicals for the Small Library, ALA 1918. Old magazines read online free.

Twentieth Century – Free Magazine Archives

1877-1972 at Internet Archive (Black & White

London, UK

“Founded as ‘The Nineteenth Century’ by James Knowles in 1877 as a monthly literary magazine for debate and discussion among leading intellectuals in Britain. In 1901 the title was changed to ‘The Nineteenth Century and After’, and changed to ‘The Twentieth Century’ in 1951.” – Wikipedia. Magazines read online free. 20th century magazine online.

Wartime Magazine – Free Magazine Archives

Issues 2014 – Present

Sydney, Australia: Hardie Grant Publishing

Official Magazine of the Australian War Memorial. “It is not the intention of the publisher to sensationalise human tragedy that is the result of war, nor to promote militaristic or chauvinistic sentiment, but to offer truthful, readable and entertaining stories that reflect the Australian experience of war.” – Publisher. Free online history magazines pdf.

Woman’s Journal and Suffrage News – Free Magazine Archives

1870-1916 in Internet Archive (Black & White)

Boston, Massachusetts: Stone & Blackwell

“Woman’s Journal was an American women’s rights periodical published from 1870 to 1931. It was founded in 1870 in Boston, Massachusetts, by Lucy Stone and her husband Henry Browne Blackwell as a weekly newspaper. In 1910 it absorbed ‘Progress’, the official organ of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), and changed the magazine’s name in 1912 to ‘Woman’s Journal and Suffrage News’. It again changed its name in 1917, to ‘The Woman Citizen’. It ceased publication in 1931.” – Website. Magazines read online free.

The World’s Work – Free Magazine Archives

Vol 1 (1900) – Vol 54 (1927)

1900-1932 at Internet Archive (Black & White)

New York

“Discusses all kinds of current events and current tendencies in articles by recognized authorities and in well written editorial comments. The social development of the country receives as much attention as its material prosperity. Well illustrated and popular in style. One of the four periodicals most widely used in school work and very useful for club and debate work.”
-F. K. Walter, Periodicals for the Small Library, ALA 1918. Old magazines archive, vintage magazine pdf.

Yank: The Army Weekly – Free Magazine Archives

Jan 1945 – Nov 1945

NY: U.S. War Department

Yank was a weekly magazine published by the U.S. Army during World War II, primarily for soldiers. It contained news, humor, letters to the editor, stories about army units or dramatic incidents, and lots of photos. Free online history magazines pdf.

Articles about U.S. History before 1800

A collection of links here at Century Past to articles in magazines and newspapers related to early American History.

Articles about U.S. History in the 19th Century

A collection of links here at Century Past to articles in magazines and newspapers related to American History in the 1800s. Free online history magazines pdf.

Articles about African American History

A collection of links here at Century Past to articles in magazines and newspapers related to African American History.

Ancient History Articles

Collected links here at Century Past to articles on topics in Ancient History, found in leading magazines and newspapers.

Archaeology Articles

Collected links here at Century Past to articles on topics in Archaeology, found in leading magazines and newspapers.

Historic Photos from Around the World

Collected links here at Century Past to selected photography collections from the late 1800s & early 1900s in countries around the world.

More History Magazines

Africa Digest 1952-1974 (Black & White) – Free Magazine Archives

American Heritage of Invention & Technology 1985-2011 (Black & White) – Free Magazine Archives

The American Neptune: A Quarterly Journal of Maritime History 1941-2002 (Black & White) – Free Magazine Archives

American West 1964-1990 (Black & White) – Free Magazine Archives

Canadian Journal of History 1966-2013 (Black & White) – Free Magazine Archives

Desert 1937-1981 (Black & White) – Free Magazine Archives

Websites of Archaeology Magazines – Archaeology Magazines Online

Free online versions of these archaeology magazines are, in most cases, not available, but their websites feature articles of interest.

Archaeology – Free Magazine Archives

The Archaeological Conservancy – Free Magazine Archives

Current Archaeology – Free Magazine Archives

The Past – Free Magazine Archives

World Archaeology – Free Magazine Archives

Historical Archaeology – Free Magazine Archives

American Archaeology – Free Magazine Archives

Egyptian Archaeology – Free Magazine Archives

Doug’s Archaeology: List of Archaeology Journals – Free Magazine Archives

Websites of History Magazines – Free History Magazines

Free online versions of these History magazines are not available, but their websites feature articles of interest.

Aviation History – Free Magazine Archives

America’s Civil War – Free Magazine Archives

British Heritage Travel – Free Magazine Archives

Canada’s History – Free Magazine Archives

The Citizens’ Companion: the voice of civilian reenacting – Free Magazine Archives

Civil War Monitor – Free Magazine Archives

Civil War Times – Free Magazine Archives

Military History

Military History Matters – Free Magazine Archives

Navy History Magazine – Free Magazine Archives

Vietnam (the war) – Free Magazine Archives

Library Research Guide (LibGuide) – Canadian History – Free Magazine Archives

This research guide from the librarians at Bowling Green State University has a collection of links to websites related to the history of Canada.

Library Research Guide (LibGuide) – Internet Sites with Primary Sources for U.S. History – Free Magazine Archives

This research guide from the librarians at Bowling Green State University has links to websites with substantial collections of online primary sources for U.S. history.

Coach – Educational Magazines PDF

Coach Magazine Website

Issues 2019 – Present

UK: Coach Magazine

“COACH features a wealth of high quality and unique articles and features from some of the most successful professional coaches, mentors and experts around the world, covering a wide range of niches in business, life, wellbeing and self- development.” – Website

Education – Old Magazines Online Free 1800s, 1900s

Vol 1 – 47 (1880-1927)

Boston

Subtitle: “A Monthly Magazine devoted to the Science, Art, Philosophy and Literature of Education”. Founded in 1880 by Thomas W. Bicknell (1834-1925), who had recently edited the weekly New England Journal of Education from 1875 to 1880. A Rhode Island native, Bicknell worked as a principal at grammar and high schools for a number of years before being named Commissioner of Public Schools in Rhode Island in 1869. He was a progressive in education and a strong proponent of public schools. Vintage magazine archive online free.

School and Society – Vintage Magazine Archive PDF Download

Vol 1 (1915) – Vol 24 (1926)

New York

“A weekly journal treating all phases of education and its social service.” – – F. K. Walter, Periodicals for the Small Library, ALA 1918. Old magazines free read online.

Teach Middle East – Educational Magazines PDF

Teach Middle East Website

Issues 2014 – Present

Moftah

“Teach Middle East Magazine is the premier magazine for educators and the entire education sector in the Middle East and beyond. Our vision is to equip educators with the materials and tools to function optimally inside and out of the classroom. We provide a space for educators to connect, find inspiration, resources and forums that are aimed at enhancing their teaching techniques, methodologies and personal development.” – Website.