While attending Jon Gindick's Jam Camp in Atlanta in 2005, Jim McBride had a conversation with Mark Wilson about how to setup a blues harmonica jam.

After Jam Camp, Jim discussed the idea of setting up a  jam with his teacher, Matthew Smart. Matthew took the idea a step further and suggested a harmonica club. From there Matthew and Jim contacted all the harp players they knew and the AHE was born.

E Matthew Shelton and Rich Machiz, both very good harp players and professional harmonica teachers in the Atlanta Area got involved and helped to get things going.

Matthew Smart came up with the name "Atlanta Harp Enthusiasts" which was soon changed to "Atlanta Harmonica Enthusiasts" at the suggestion of E Matthew Shelton.