For more than a century, dedicated historians, researchers, and leaders have worked to document and preserve the rich history of 4-H. Building upon the foundational contributions of Thomas and Marilyn Wessel and the pioneering research of Franklin Reck, a new volume chronicling the 1980–2025 era of 4-H history is now in development.

Emerging from the visionary work of the National 4-H History Preservation Team in collaboration with the National 4-H Council, this effort reflects years of research, collaboration, and historical preservation. Co-authors Ron Drum and Jo Turner worked with an extraordinary team of more than 125 historians, researchers, and contributors, to locate, preserve, and document national 4-H history. The team has assembled a remarkable body of research and authored a volume that captures this important era of the 4-H story.

Stay tuned for additional details as the manuscript moves through the editing, illustration, design, and publication process.

Now Availalble in the 4-H Mall

A set of six 4" x 6" postcards created in partnership with the 4-H History Preservation Program. The original paintings represented on each card are part of the collection of 36 owned by National 4-H Council from more than 100 done by the authorized calendar companies between 1948-1990. Profits from the sale of these cards will help to preserve the art for future generations.

Get yours today at the 4-H Mall.

The history of 4-H is one of the most significant and far-reaching stories in America: a story of youth education, community pride and responsibility, personal leadership, and volunteerism. Truly unique - born at the grassroots level and involving special public-private partnerships at the local, state and national levels - it represents the very essence of America's growth.

Over a century since it began, 4-H continues to thrive and expand today as one of America's foremost youth development initiatives. While constantly continuing to change in support of the evolving needs of young people today, most of the original concepts and philosophies - the proven strengths - remain unchanged.

There is no better guide toward our future than to learn from and build upon our past. The primary purpose of this 4-H History Preservation website is to provide a central resource on 4-H history, particularly at the national level.