This paper provides an outline of the main historical developments and recurrent themes that have taken place in the history of the Ergonomics Society (ES) over 50 years. Alongside a chronology of significant events during the period 1949-1999, a set of issues raised by interviews with prominent members of the ES and other historical materials, we focus specifically on seven main areas: the growth and influence of the ES (e.g. internationalization, membership changes); external relations (e.g. press and public relations); publications (e.g. Society journals and key texts); key individuals and institutions; influence on government and other bodies (e.g. participation in committees and inquiries); and image and identity (e.g. changes to the image of the ES over time). We conclude the paper with a summary and discussion of the key developments in the history, as well as the outstanding challenges for the future.