The History of Reading SIG was founded in 1975 at the twentieth annual convention of the International Reading Association, held in New York City. The purpose of the SIG, as outlined in its constitution, is: to encourage historical research in the field of reading and literacy; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the history of reading and reading instruction; and to promote the development of a body of historical knowledge about reading and literacy. Membership is open to all those who share the goals of the SIG, but voting membership is restricted by IRA regulations to paid-up IRA members.

Several prizes and awards are sponsored by the SIG. These include an annual award for the best doctoral dissertation relating to the history of literacy and an award for the best master's thesis relating to the history of literacy.