It was significant that the city of New York, where the Natural Hygiene Movement was established and where Sylvester Graham delivered his initial lectures, served as the location for the re-establishment of a national society on June 28, 1948. Dr. Shelton played a key role in this initiative.

At the historic meeting, in addition to Dr. Shelton, were Dr. William Esser, Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio, Dr. Gerald Benesh, Dr. Jesse Mercer Gehman, Jack Dunn Trop, Irving Davidson, and Symon Gould. Initially, the organization was named the American Physiological and Hygienic Society. Following the tradition of a century earlier, a convention was held in April 1949, during which the organization’s name was changed to the American Natural Hygiene Society.”

THE MODERN PIONEERS

The American Natural Hygiene Society (ANHS)

1948: The American Natural Hygiene Society (ANHS) was founded in New York City on June 28 by Drs. Herbert Shelton, William Esser, Gerald Benesh, Christopher Gian-Cursio, and Jesse Mercer-Gheman along with Attorney Irving Davidson, Jack Dunn Trop, and Symon Gould.

1949: ANHS holds its first National Convention at the Diplomat Hotel in New York City. Dr. Shelton was elected the first ANHS President.

1964: ANHS formed the Natural Hygiene Press and published Fasting Can Save Your Life by Dr. Herbert Shelton.

1968: Ithaca College becomes the first college campus to hold an ANHS Convention.

1969: Tax Exempt Status granted to ANHS

1978: Health Science launched as the new ANHS Membership Health Journal.

1981: ANHS Headquarters relocates to Bridgeport, Connecticut with Jo Willard as Executive Director

1983: ANHS purchases Dr. Shelton’s library, and James Michael Lennon becomes Library Director.

1985: Dr. Herbert Shelton passes away at age 90.

1986: James Michael Lennon becomes Executive Director

National Health Association Today

1999: On Dec. 16th, the board approved the name change to the National Health Association, as it was felt that this title better reflected and summarized the organization’s mission statement. 

2014: Lynn Grudnik retired as Executive Director on May 31, 2014, and NHA headquarters moved to Youngstown, Ohio, under the direction of NHA President Mark Huberman.

2020: Wanda Huberman becomes Executive Director

2023: The NHA celebrates its 75th anniversary at the Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.