The Common Histories of SSSA and The Clay Minerals Society.

The common history of The Clay Minerals Society (CMS) and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) dates back to the inception of the CMS and includes important overlaps in subject matter, membership, and conferences and symposia. The CMS was incorporated as a non-profit organization on July 18, 1962, and became an independently operating Society in October, 1963. The formal incorporation of the CMS was, however, not the beginning for this fledgling organization, but merely a transition from its former existence as a specially appointed Clay Minerals Committee of the National Academy of Sciences – National Research Council (NAS-NRC). After World War II interest in national organizations of clay science began in Europe with clay Societies springing up in France, Belgium, and England. By 1947 regular conferences were being organized. Interest in clay science also developed in the United States among diverse groups of scientists. In early 1951, a symposium held in St. Louis was devoted to clay science and the idea of a regular gathering of clay scientists was conceived. In late 1951the idea and prospect of organizing a formal committee of the NAS-NRC was set in motion.  The first annual Clay Conference was held in Berkeley, California, in July, 1952, and has been held annually since that time. A significant percentage of participants are also members of the Soil Science Society of America.

            Soil scientists have been well represented among recipients of the various awards of the CMS. Similar cross representation exists among the recipients of awards from the SSSA and those who have served as presidents and officers of these Societies. The common interest in minerals shared by people who are members of both the CMS and SSSA has fostered many advances in soil and clay mineral research and forged a multitude of fruitful friendships and collaborations.