MAILING ADDRESS: The Bead Society PO Box 1456 Culver City, CA 90232 |
About UsThe Bead Society is the oldest of its kind in the United States. July 1, 2024 marks our 50th fiscal year! The Bead Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the study, discussion, and shared knowledge of beads in the United States and throughout the world. The organization has undergone many changes over the years as we grew from fifteen to more than 300 strong.
The Mission of the Bead Society is to disseminate the knowledge of beads and all related subjects. Our goal is to bring that knowledge to as many people worldwide as possible. History The Bead Society was founded in 1975 by an enthusiastic group of bead collectors, jewelry designers, importers and scholars. At that time, a wealth of old trade beads and ethnic jewelry was being brought into Los Angeles from countries around the world. Because so little bead information existed at that time, the founders felt the need to share their research and study as well as having the opportunity to show their collections and ideas. Soon membership was opened to others interested in beads and The Bead Society quickly grew. The same is true today; society members still meet and share their ideas, finds and knowledge through the monthly meetings, newsletter blogs. pop ups and bead bazaars organized by The Bead Society. In 1985 The Bead Society sponsored the first International Bead Conference in celebration of its tenth anniversary. In 2004 The Bead Society made bead history with the screening of Diana Friedberg's documentary, World on a String at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The first part of this five-part series, The Eternal Bead, was shown to an invited audience of more than 500 people. No other Bead Society has ever embarked on such a huge project. Diana Friedberg's original idea became a reality with a generous grant from the Bead Society. Other contributors added their support to this important project. "The officers and membership of the Bead Society continue to bring the joy and history of beads to many happy interested individuals." |
Officers
President: Lisa Shatts
Treasurer: Violeta Guerrero Membership: Bridgette Wooten Secretary: Sylvia Humphrey |
CommitteesGrants Committee:
Nikki Donahue (chair), Lois Rose Rose, Tim Meikle, Diane Duplanty Bazaar & Pop Up Vendor Coordinator: Sylvia Humphrey & Committee Website News Coordinator: Kay Deeney "Who Knew" Table Coordinator: Lois Rose Rose Mystery Bead Contest: Joan Eppen |
FoundersAnnette Bird
Bettina Brandlein Dorothea Casady Millie Combs Robert K. Liu Suzanne Miller Ro Porter Reedy Talton Gertrude J. Thomas Judith Ubick Mary Evelyn Walker Boyd Walker Liza Wataghani Marion Winagura Murray Winagura Patti Yeiter |