I. Call for Contributions

The Bulletin: Proceedings of the Rennes-le-Château Historical Society

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The Bulletin invites contributions from historians [professional or amateurs], archivists, independent researchers, local historians, archaeologists, geographers, writers, and thoughtful investigators with an interest in Rennes-le-Château and the wider Upper Aude. The Society welcomes work that advances understanding, raises informed questions, or responsibly reassesses existing claims. Academic affiliation is not required. Intellectual honesty, clarity of method, and respect for evidence are.

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We invite contributions in the following areas:

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• Archival research and document studies

• Local and regional history of the Aude

• Cartographic, landscape, and architectural studies

• Biographical studies of historical figures

• Critical examinations of published claims

• Field observations and site-based research

• Textual analysis of sources connected to Rennes-le-Château

• Methodological or historiographical reflections

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What we value:

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• Clear distinction between fact, interpretation, and speculation

• Transparent sourcing and citation

• Willingness to engage with alternative views

• Respectful tone toward people, place, and community

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What we do not seek:

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• Sensational or unfounded claims

• Proprietary “ownership” of mysteries or discoveries

• Promotional material for commercial ventures

• Anonymous accusations or personal polemics

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Contributions are offered freely, published in good faith, and preserved as part of a cumulative historical record.

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II. Submission Guidelines

These guidelines are intentionally light-touch while maintaining credibility.

Length

• Short notes: 1,000–2,000 words

• Articles: 3,000–6,000 words

• Archival features: flexible, by agreement

Style

• Clear, readable prose

• Footnotes or endnotes preferred

• Images, maps, and diagrams welcome (with sources credited)

Citations

• Any consistent scholarly style is acceptable 

• Archival references should include repository and catalogue details where possible

Images & Figures

• Contributors must confirm they have the right to reproduce images

• Captions should explain relevance, not merely describe

Review Process

• Submissions are reviewed by the editorial group for clarity, relevance, and adherence to the Society’s principles

• This is a collaborative review, not an adversarial peer-review system

• Authors may be invited to revise for clarity or balance

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III. Editorial Policy

The editorial policy of The Bulletin is guided by openness, responsibility, and transparency.

• Editorial decisions are based on relevance, clarity, and adherence to the Society’s principles

• Disagreement with editorial decisions may be discussed openly and respectfully

• Corrections and clarifications will be published where necessary

• Editorial commentary will be clearly distinguished from contributors’ views

The Society recognises that historical understanding evolves. The Bulletin is a place for that evolution to be documented, not concealed.

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IV. Membership Statement

The Rennes-le-Château Historical Society

Membership of the Society is open to anyone who supports its aims and principles.

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Membership is not:

• A claim to authority

• A guarantee of publication

• A hierarchy of status

Membership is:

• A commitment to respectful inquiry

• A willingness to share research openly

• Participation in a community of discussion and exchange

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Members may:

• Contribute articles or notes

• Participate in discussions and events

• Propose themes or research questions

• Assist with archival, field, or editorial work

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Membership exists to support collaboration, not to confer privilege.

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V. Founding Charter 

The Rennes-le-Château Historical Society

The Rennes-le-Château Historical Society is founded to encourage the study, preservation, and responsible exploration of the history, landscape, and cultural heritage of Rennes-le-Château and the Upper Aude. The Society affirms that history is best served by openness rather than secrecy, collaboration rather than competition, and careful inquiry rather than sensationalism.

The Society recognises that uncertainty is not a weakness, and that disagreement, when conducted respectfully, is a source of insight rather than division. Through The Bulletin, the Society seeks to preserve research, foster dialogue, and provide a lasting record of inquiry for present and future readers.,This Charter stands not as a claim of authority, but as a declaration of intent.