Skip to content
Major Timeline

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.

Welcome to the new home of the National Health Association!
If you are an existing member, you will need to reset your password in order to log in and take advantage of all the great benefits being a member provides—which now includes the ability to update your own contact information (address, phone number, email, upload a picture and much more). Please start by clicking the Register/Log In button and follow the instructions on that page. Once your password is reset, you will use your email address as your username. You no longer have or need a Member Number. Please contact us if you have questions—and thanks for your support!