User:Pbsouthwood/Historical Diving Society

The Historical Diving Society (HDS) was formed in 1990 in the United Kingdom, with the aim of preserving and protecting diving heritage. The society has since grown into an international organisation with affiliated national societies across the world. Active societies in North America, Europe and Australia collaborate and work together with the HDS towards common goals.

Foundation
In 1990 John Bevan became the founding chairman of the HDS at the inaugural meeting at Siebe Gorman & Co, Cwmbran, South Wales, Reg Vallintine – vice-chairman, Nick Baker – secretary, Lindsay Baker – Treasurer. The HDS logo, a line drawing of the Deane brothers original diving helmet, was approved.

Timeline

 * 1989: The collections manager at the Siebe Gorman works in Cwmbran, Nick Baker, proposed a Society to preserve and promote diving heritage.
 * 1990: The inaugural meeting of the Historical Diving Society was held and a board elected.
 * 1991:"The Historical Diving Society's Newsletter" was first published.
 * 1992:The activities of the US secretary, Leslie Leaney, result in founding of the HDSUSA.
 * 1994: HDS Italia founded.
 * 1995: HDS South Africa founded.
 * 1996: HDS Denmark founded.
 * 1998: HDS Australia and South East Asia founded.
 * 2002: HDS affiliated with HDS Sweden (Svensk Dykerihistorisk Förening, and HDS France Histoire du Development Subaquatique en France (HDS France) founded.
 * 2008: HDS Spain and HDS Czech Republic founded.
 * 2011: Diving Museum in Gosport established

Activities
The society publishes a printed quarterly magazine/newsletter, the Historical Diving Times and the International Journal of Diving History for its members. These publications are also available for non-members to purchase.

The society holds meetings, visits, and lectures, and has two active "working equipment groups", founded by Jim Boyd and David Sutton, which seek to preserve and catalogue classic equipment in usable form, often demonstrating at rallies and exhibitions.

Each year the society holds an annual conference and dinner, which include presentations from diving pioneers and researchers and the presentation of awards.

The HDS maintains a database of historical divers called the 'Divers Index', which answers enquiries about diving ancestors or former colleagues who worked in underwater or allied occupations.

Members include individuals and organisations across the spectrum of diving interests, including archivists, archaeologists, authors, artists, bibliophiles, collectors, dealers, engineers, genealogists, manufacturers, museums, oceanologists, photographers, researchers, and scientists, as well as divers and ex-divers.

As a charitable organization, the society relies on memberships and donations to continue its work.

In 2011 the HDS opened the Historical Diving Society Museum at No. 2 Battery, Stokes Bay, Gosport, Hampshire, England on the shore of the Solent. The museum has a range of diving equipment including examples of diving bells, chambers and atmospheric diving suits. The types of equipment represent recreational, military, scientific, commercial and breath-hold diving.