THe fantastic world of shells is nearly endless in variation of shape and colour. It is the second largest group on this planet as far as biodiversity goes – second after the insects.
This is not just about seashells, by the way. Land snails and snails and mussels living in rivers and ponds also have their charm for many collectors.
Some collectors are more interested in aesthetic aspects, while others want to explore a specific area or family in more detail. Some focus on shell-related objects (stamps, cigar bands, postcards, figurines, etc.), while others contribute – in a scientific manner – to knowledge of shell biodiversity in Belgium or even the world. Historical, ethnic, or other utilitarian objects – ethnic art, for example – made from or with shells are also among the interests of some members.
The association brings together people who collect and study molluscs (shells) and fossils, and has around 210 members from Belgium and abroad.
As a club, we welcome anyone who wants to get involved with shells – whatever their purpose. What could be more fun than having a good “shell chat” with like-minded people on a regular basis?
We gather monthly on the second Sunday of the month, at Sint Anneke Centrum, Hanegraefstraat 5, 2050 Antwerpen. This is not mandatory for members, and you are also welcome when you are not a member. It’s just fun to be able to talk about the passion with like-minded people, no?
These monthly meetings are usually attended by around 50 members. Can’t make it? No problem! You can always find the “Announcements” and the presentation for that day in the members’ area of our website, in the folders provided for that purpose.
Doors open at 9:00 AM, and we’ll begin promptly at 10:15 AM with announcements and the morning’s activity. There will also always be a few vendors present, so you can expand your collection with lots of beautiful items.
Besides buying or exchanging shells or books, or borrowing books from our library – or just chatting about shells with friends in the cafeteria – we provide an activity every month.
Announcements are always made promptly at 10:15 am, followed by the activity. This can range from a presentation on a specific group of shells, to a workshop focusing on a specific family, to a travel report.
PS: During the summer holiday period, there will not be a monthly meeting in july yet there will be one in August. You can always find all dates and locations on the events page of this website.
Doors: 09:00
Start: 10:15
Hanegraefstraat 5
2050 Antwerpen
Once upon a time … or how it all started with a bunch of shell lovers who gathered one fine day …
On 8 October 1961 the association GLORIA MARIS was founded in the pub ‘Den Engel’ at the Grote Markt in Antwerp. Gloria Maris refers to the name of a – back then – very rare seashell; the ‘Conus gloriamaris’ (= glory of the sea).
On May 9, 1974, the association was converted into a non-profit organization and the general meeting of January 4, 1976 decided to change the name to ‘Belgian Society for Conchology vzw’
In 2011, the Society celebrated its 50th anniversary, and obtained the title of “Royal Society”.
The association has a number of professionals from Belgium and abroad in its ranks, who can often provide valuable advice. Some members, after years of study, reach a semi-professional level, making valuable scientific contributions to the study of molluscs. As such, newly discovered shell species are regularly described. A number of species were even named after some of our members. The publications resulting from this study are widely resonated at home and abroad through our magazine “Gloria Maris”.
The association maintains close contacts with, and has over the years built up collaborations with, universities, scientific institutions, museums and other associations in Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. In addition, there are also good contacts with a number of professional and semi-professional conchologists (= shell collectors) in countries outside Europe.
Finally, there are a few active taskforces within the Society. The most active one studies land- and freshwater molluscs in Belgium. Further information about these task forces can be found on a separate page dedicated to them.
