The Boston Malacological Club

Welcome to the Boston Malacological Club

The BMC is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer group, whose charter is to promote the study of land, freshwater, and marine mollusks, related creatures, and their environments.

The BMC participates in basic research and study involving mollusks from around the world. The club sponsors field trips, and educational programs at schools, museums and other public venues. Club members are excited to share their extensive knowledge and beautiful collections at shell shows. Persons of all ages and interests are welcome as members or as guests at monthly BMC meetings.

Why Do We Care About Mollusks

Since prehistoric times, mollusks have been an important food source and a staple of commerce, art, religion, and science. The Boston Malacological Club has supported the study of mollusks, by both professionals and amateurs, for more than a century.

We have observed and explored the many impacts on changing molluscan populations, including global climate change, ocean acidification, habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and over-harvesting. Now, more than ever, it is important to continue to study mollusks and their environments; to preserve threatened habitats and ecosystems; and to set science-based, sustainable limits on harvesting mollusks for fisheries, commercial, scientific, cultural and personal purposes.

BMC members practice responsible shell collecting in accordance with the Conchologists of America's Conservation Resolution.

State Shell of Massachusetts

In 1987, the BMC sponsored legislation to make the New England Neptune, Neptunea decemcostata, the State Shell of Massachusetts (here drawn by Club member Kristina Joyce and photographed, live, by Andrew Martinez). The New England Neptune rarely washes up on our beaches, but is commonly taken in lobster traps.

In 2010, the Club was the proud host of the Conchologists of America Convention in Boston. Neptunea was chosen for the meeting logo.

C O A Convention

Club Commemoration

The BMC Shell Club pin, honoring Epitonium championi (Clench & Turner, 1952), was originally drawn by club member and treasurer for many years, Barbara Crowley. For New Englanders, finding this uncommon shell is equivalent to finding a Junonia at Sanibel.