This document focuses on the ideas, forces, and events that move the National School Boards Association (NSBA) forward through the years since its founding in 1940 (with its long roots extending back into the middle of the 19th century). The first chapter of this history of the NSBA, "The Antecedent Years," focuses on the years 1850-1938. The second chapter, "NSBA Comes to Life," examines the years 1938-42. "The Dormant Years of World War II," chapter 3, highlights the years 1942-45. Chapter 4, "The Post-War Rebirth," looks at the years 1945-49. The fifth chapter, "A Time of Self-Discovery," examines the years 1949-53. Chapter 6, covering 1953-60, presents "NSBA's Outreach Years.""The Shift to Action," the seventh chapter, deals with the years 1960-67. Chapter 8, "Laying a Solid Foundation," focuses on 1967-70. The ninth chapter, "The Years of Steady Growth," highlights the years 1970-76, and the final chapter, "The Expansion Decade in the Nation's Capital," covers 1976-87. Included are 18 appendices summarizing significant actions or events that focus on specific areas of NSBA's operations, and an epilogue. (WTH)