The American Harp Society is a non-profit organization of harpists that was founded in 1962. While attending the First International Harp Contest in Israel in 1959, Pierre Jamet of France formed the idea for an International Association of Harpists. Pierre formed the French section, and encouraged harpists in other countries to form their own national societies. Marcel Grandjany eventually chaired a founding committee of leading harpists in the United States, and in 1962, formed the American Harp Society. The goals of the society include promoting appreciation for the harp, compositions for the harp, and to improve harp performances. The American Harp Society hosts national conferences featuring concerts, workshops, and lectures, and summer institutes, which focus on student harpists and are held in conjunction with the American Harp Society National Competition. The American Harp Society publishes The American Harp Journal bi-annually, featuring harpist biographies, educational content, and AHS news.