The Clay Minerals Society (CMS) began as the Clay Minerals Committee of the US National Academy of Sciences – National Research Council in 1952. In 1962, the CMS was incorporated with the primary purpose of stimulating research and disseminating information relating to all aspects of clay science and technology. The CMS holds an annual meeting, workshop, and field trips, and publishes Clays and Clay Minerals and the CMS Workshop Lectures series. Membership benefits include reduced registration fees to the annual meeting, discounts on the CMS Workshop Lectures, and Elements.