The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections [SPNHC] was founded in 1985. Since then, it has grown into an international organization with a global membership of collections care professionals.
The first ten years
The triumphs and tribulations of the first ten years of the Society are capably summarized by charter member Stephen Williams in the Society’s journal Collection Forum (volume 11(2), 1995, pp. 69-81). (pdf)
Abstract:
“In 1985, the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) was created to meet the concerns of a growing number of individuals involved with the development, management, and care of natural history collections. The Society is unique among natural history professional organizations because of its international scope and multidisciplinary approach to collections management and care. The ten-year history of this organization is impressive, particularly with respect to increasing awareness of the value and requirements of collections, collaborating nationally and internationally with other organizations, and contributing new knowledge, resources and standards for the natural history profession. In celebration of the Society’s ten year anniversary, the history and accomplishments of SPNHC during the last decade are documented.”
The second ten years
A second article, again written by Stephen Williams with Suzanne McLaren, reflects on the next 10 years of SPNHC in celebration of the Society’s 20th year (see Collection Forum, volume 19(1-2), 2005, pp. 1-14). (pdf)
Abstract:
“In 1985, the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) was created to meet the concerns of a growing number of individuals involved with the development, management, and care of natural history collections. After 20 years of existence, the Society continues to be unique among natural history professional organizations, because of its international scope and multidisciplinary approach to collections management and care. The second ten years of the organization is featured with national recognition for outstanding commitment to the preservation of collections, as well as a strong record of conducting annual minutes, providing continuing educational opportunities, producing literature that adds to the knowledge base of the museum community, and a variety of successful projects. In celebration of the Society’s twentieth anniversary, the history and accomplishments of SPNHC during the last decade are documented.”