The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society was founded in 1967 in response to a growing awareness of the value of the historic buildings of Northern Ireland and the threats to their survival.

It is widely recognized as one of the most active of such groups in the British Isles and has pioneered a number of important initiatives.

When the UAHS was founded there was no statutory listing in the province. Its campaigns led to the establishment of listed building legislation here in 1972: before that there was no Historic Buildings Council; no historic buildings grants; no conservation areas; and no public buildings record. All those things now exist, and the UAHS has played no small part in their formation.