The Ayrshire Federation of Historical Societies represents societies and individuals interested in the history of Ayrshire and its dissemination to a wider public. We act as an umbrella organisation, offering support and advice to our members, and organising events where they can meet with one another, sharing news and experiences. We also promote the history of Ayrshire and encourage further research. To these aims we annually award the John Strawhorn Quaich to recognise work done in this area. We organise a biennial conference to promote a particular topic; these have included Medical History, Non – Conformist Churches, Food & Drink, and Ayrshire Castles. We are joint editor with Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society of the publication Ayrshire Notes.