The Beginnings of the Southeastern Microscopy Society

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I was pleased to see the article describing some of the history of the Florida Microscopy Society in a recent issue of Microscopy Today. I have since learned that many regional microscopy societies are busy not only archiving their history but retelling it to the next generation of microscopists. I think this is important. The Southeastern Microscopy Society (SEMS) has had a historian since its early days. I am the current historian and I view my job not just as someone who archives the records but also the one responsible for preserving the human face of our history. This includes telling our story. The Southeastern Microscopy Society's Newsletter, The BEAM (http://www.southeasternmicroscopy.org/beam/beam.html) has a regular history feature, where established microscopists recount interesting experiences in the laboratory, memorable SEMS' meetings, or other aspects of the personal side of science.