The American Bell Association International, Inc. is a nonprofit organization devoted to the collection, preservation, restoration, and research of bells in which members can attend regional chapter events and an annual national convention. Forty three U.S. chapters and an additional five international chapters are recognized by the American Bell Association International; global membership is 1,200 persons. The organization is often referred to as the ABA; it is one of over 100 names that applies this acronym.
History
The American Bell Association International started in 1940 as The National Bell Collector's Club by several women staying at the Chautauqua Institution in New York State, and the organization initiated a monthly printed publication, The Bell Tower, named in honor of the Miller Bell Tower at the institution. In 1989 The Bell Tower became a bi-monthly printed publication and has remained so since. Content of The Bell Tower is varied, ranging from miniature collectible bells to huge tower bells.
Events
The first American Bell Association International annual convention took place in Chicago, Illinois in 1946. The fifth annual convention was held in New York, New York and featured in The New Yorker, which covered one of the American Bell Association International's founders, Mary A. Collins, and Bells of Sarna by the founder of present day company S.S. Sarna. The most recent annual convention will be held in Kansas City, MO. The annual convention is held in a different state each year. Chapters of the American Bell Association International have various meeting schedules and convene two or more times per year. Chapter meetings generally include five main components. A social phase allows members to meet and converse. Presentations allow members and/or experts to disseminate information about a focus or discipline regarding bells and may take such forms as digital and/or oral lectures. A business discussion phase addresses chapter goals and achievements. A display period allows members to provide viewings of items from their bell collections, and an exchange period presents members the opportunity to buy, sell, and/or trade items.
