The goal of button organizations is to support each and every member in understanding their buttons, including but not limited to, material make up, embellishments, decorative finishes and historical value.
Members do not appraise buttons. Contacting a button dealer is the best way to get an appraisal. Look at our advertising or link section for Dealer information.
In order to tell you about us, the Colorado State Button Society (CSBS), we need to start with our parent organization, the National Button Society (NBS).
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The National Button Society
The National Button Society (NBS) was founded in 1939 and has about 3,500 members. NBS is the governing body responsible for several publications relating to collectible buttons. They also establish the guidelines for their individual members, state societies and regional associations. The guidelines are used for competition. Many collectors enjoy entering their buttons in tray competitions. However, you do not need to be a competitor to enjoy button collecting.
Publications
On an annual basis, the NBS supplies their members with the following:
- Five Bulletins per year
- Official NBS Classification System Book (affectionately called the Blue Book)
- A list of members in the NBS
From time to time, there are special publications offered to members. The Colorado State Button Society purchases these publications and they are in our library. Please look at our library option for a list of these publications.
Activities
Annual Awards
The awards are established annually and are presented to the members through one of the bulletins. Members who wish may put together a tray for each special award and then submit the tray for competition. A tray is actually a piece of mat board measuring 9 inches by 12 inches and is protected in a plastic sleeve. The trays are submitted for judging at the National Button Society Show.
National Button Society Show
Typically in the summer, a state society hosts the National Button Society Show, usually a different state each year. During the show, members' trays are judged using the guidelines established by the NBS. The guideline is the "Official NBS Classification System Book." The show also has dealers who sell buttons and offer their expertise. There are also several fun activities, such as workshops, tours, door prizes, etc.
Benefits
If you are a serious collector, we encourage you to join the National Button Society for these benefits:
- 5 Bulletins/year
- Official NBS Classification System Book
- Membership List
- Optional participation in the Annual NBS show
How to Join
Membership Dues
- U.S. & Canada Adult Membership: $25.00.
- U.S. & Canada Dual Household Membership is $35.00/year
- U.S. & Canada Junior (ages 8 through 17) membership is $2.00/year
- Foreign Adult Membership: $25.00 + a $20.00 air mail supplement
Membership renewals are due on October 31st of each year. For new membership and renewals please complete the NBS Application. Payment instructions are on the form.
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Regional Associations
There are also regional associations, which are:
Just as the National Button Society, the regional associations have awards and an annual show.
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Colorado State Button Society
The Colorado State Button Society (CSBS) is one of many state societies that is a member of the National Button Society. CSBS is a non-profit Colorado Corporation with a 501(c)3 tax exempt status.
Publications
On an annual basis, the CSBS supplies their members with:
- Bi-annual Bulletins
- CSBS Membership List
Activities
Annual Awards
The CSBS establishes special awards for their annual show just like the NBS. On an annual basis, the awards are established and presented to the members.
Workshops
The CSBS offers two state-sponsored workshops (spring and fall) to help members understand how to present their trays and the judging process during the annual CSBS Button Show. The Fall workshop has a theme of particular button materials. The Spring workshop addresses the process and guidelines that will be used to judge the trays submitted by members. This workshop benefits both the judges and the participants. Workshops are for general interest and knowledge, and not just for competition.
Button Show
The annual show is smaller than the National Button Society show, but is similar as to judging the awards and offering of out-of-state dealers for unique collectible buttons. Again, members are not required to compete. There are many activities such as door prize participation, mini-workshops, brunch and the annual Spring General Meeting. The CSBS annual show is usually held in April in the Metro Denver area.
Mission Statement
The object of this organization shall be to study buttons and to preserve all that is beautiful and historical in them through the media of Colorado State Button Society Board Meetings, Button Shows, and by publishing a Colorado State Bulletin.
Benefits
When joining the CSBS, an individual receives the following benefits:
- 2 Bulletins per year.
- Fall workshop on button materials.
- Spring workshop on how your button trays are entered and judged during the annual button show.
- CSBS General Meetings held at least 2 times a year.
- Voting rights at the CSBS General Meeting, including changes to CSBS by-laws.
- Access to the CSBS library (see library list on this web site).
- Access to membership area on the coloradobuttons.com web site.
- If you sell buttons, free advertisement in bulletin and on this web site.
- Member benefits at the annual CSBS Button Show, which include, but not limited to, the General Meeting, Sunday Brunch and a uniquely designed Show Button.
Organzational Information
Below are additional links to CSBS organizational information:
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Membership in CSBS
Membership Dues:
To become a new member or to renew your existing membership:
- Complete the Membership Application form and submit it to us via email or regular mail. (The Membership Application form is an Adobe Acrobat file and you can right click on the link and save it to your desktop to either, print out and complete, or fill it out electronically.)
- It then needs to be submited by regular mail or email to our Membership Chairperson.
- Payment:
- Membership requires payment through the PayPal options below or through a check or money order.
- Your personal check or Money Order can be sent along with your application to: Colorado State Button Society, P.O. Box 18004, Golden CO 80402.
- If you decide to use Paypal just select the items below, they will be added to a PayPal shopping cart and you will be directed through the payment process. At the end of the payment process, please note your order confirmation number and write or type this on your application so we can verify your payment.
For more information contact our Membership Chairperson.
Membership Fees and PayPal Payment Options
| Individual Adult (over 18 year of age) $12.50/year |
Junior (8 to 18 years of age) $2.50/year |
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Family Membership, first member
$12.50/year |
Each additional member(s) $7.50/year |
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Clubs
Under the state societies are clubs, which are smaller groups of button collectors. As an individual, you may join the Colorado State Button Society. You may also want to join a club in your area. At the club level, members learn about their buttons with the Official NBS Classification System book as a guideline. You may locate a Colorado club near you by using the Club Locator.
Benefits
When joining a club(s), an individual receives the following benefits:
- Monthly business meeting where NBS, CSBS and club information is presented.
- Voting rights at the club monthly meetings.
- A copy of the club minutes.
- Assist in identifying and writing the CSBS annual awards.
- Lectures and educational topics pertaining to buttons.
- A chance to see fellow collectors' buttons and share your own.
How to Join
Locate a club you would like to visit. If you like the club, just pay the dues, cost of which may vary for each club.
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