Society of Bead Researchers

The society was founded in 1981[1] by Peter Francis, Jr., director of the Center for Bead Research in Lake Placid, New York,[2] Elizabeth J. Harris and Jamey D.

[1] The founding and current editor of Beads is Karlis Karklins, formerly Head of Material Culture Research at Parks Canada.

[8] Its purpose was to enhance communication between isolated researchers and "promote the scientific study of beads".

[7] The Bead Forum newsletter is currently edited by Michele Hoferitza at Utah State University.

[9] Previous presidents include Peter Francis, Jr. (1982-1986), Marvin T. Smith (1987-1990), Jamey D. Allen (1991-1993), Mary Elizabeth Good (1994-1996),[3][10] Jeffrey M. Mitchem (1997-2003),[11] Roderick Sprague (2004-2007),[12] William T. Billeck (2008-2013) and Stefany Tomalin (2014-2016).

An incomplete Post Medieval production tube for bead manufacture dating from the 17th century.