The American Malacological Union (now Society), founded in 1931 as a national organization of collectors, students, professionals, and others interested in the holistic study of molluscs, is now an international society mainly of professionals. Although diminished in size, it continues to attract and fund students, publish a respected peer-reviewed journal, and host annual meetings featuring world-class symposia. In recognition of the society's 75^th annual meeting in 2009, I provide a detailed account of the founding, meetings, membership, publications, governance, and societal identity of AMS, gleaned from meeting programs, newsletters, scrapbooks, correspondence, and the memories of Past Presidents and other members.