On May 24, 1966 Bylaw No. 2823 was passed to establish the Edmonton Historical Board. The Board was meant to act in an advisory capacity to City Council in order to discover, select, acquire, index, catalogue, and prepare for safe keeping, reference, and suitable display records and artifacts relating to the history of the City of Edmonton. They also recommended the purchase of property and recommended the employment of people to collect, catalogue, and display material received. In August of that year the Board requested to be under the Parks and Recreation Department.

In 1971 the City Archives and City Artifacts Centre were established out of the Edmonton Historical Board, alleviating the board from the responsibility of collecting historic records and artifacts.

The Board also advised on the designation and preservation of historical buildings, streetscapes, and communities, serve as a liaison between Council and community groups on historical matters, and raise awareness of Edmonton’s history. The Historical Sites Selection Committee was established in 1974, and given responsibility for selecting which sites in the City would be considered historically significant. In 1983 the maintenance of the Register of Heritage Buildings was added to the Board’s responsibilities.

The Board also recommended to Council the most suitable ways of displaying historical material collected by the City, the erection of historical plaques and markers, and the recognition of individuals and groups who have contributed to Edmonton’s history. The first recognition awards were given out in 1975.

Other board activities have included special projects like the publication of books, overseeing special events, and coordinating with other heritage organizations such as the Society for the Preservation of Architectural Resources in Edmonton (SPARE), Fort Edmonton Park via the Honourary Chief Factor, the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, the Edmonton Heritage Network, the Old Strathcona Foundation, the Northern Alberta Pioneers and Old Timers Association, the Edmonton and District Historical Society, and the City of Edmonton Naming Committee.