It has an international reputation for promoting historical studies of mathematics and its officers have included many distinguished scholars. The Society's principal aims are to promote research into the history of mathematics, at all levels, amateur and professional, and to further the use of the history of mathematics in education. The Society organises meetings, publishes a Newsletter , and provides a focus for the dissemination of information about research and other activities involving the history of mathematics in schools, colleges, universities and elsewhere. The BSHM is concerned with all periods and cultures, and with all aspects of mathematics. Meetings BSHM meetings range from one-day events to residential conferences.
Many meetings have an international panel of speakers.
There are funds to offer a few bursaries to help students attend meetings. An annual Research in Progress day enables research students from the UK and abroad to give brief accounts of their work. The programme also includes a talk by an established scholar. There is an annual series of conferences to help those involved with mathematics education keep up to date on historical studies and their possible uses in the classroom. The Christmas meeting includes a session of papers volunteered by members.