About the CCA:
To provide an organization focusing on the 18th century colonial surveying instruments that facilitates discussion, collection of historical data, and the dissemination of information to its members. We have a yearly convention where members can attend seminars, visit museums, and have the opportunity for an open forum discussion on the finer details of this field.
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2009 Meeting Photos:
The second Compass Collectors Association meeting was held in Philadelphia on June 18th at the American Philosophical Society.
>> Click here for all the photos.<<

2009 Meeting Topics:

• Steve Turner from the Smithsonian will give a presentation on wooden surveying instruments.
• Richard Kremer of Dartmouth will present a preview of his paper, "Selling Surveying Instruments in America Before the Printed Trade Catalog."
• Member Paul Temple will speak about verniers, transversals, and their use in early instruments.
• Member W. Scott Smith will outline the formation of Washington's mapmaking staff department, how they conducted their operations, and what instruments they used for strategic and tactical level intelligence during the American Revolution.
• Jeffrey Lock will lead a session using examples from the collections of both the American Philosophical Society and the Atwater Kent Museum, focusing on the geographical and national examples of the instrument maker’s art. We will examine seldom-seen instruments from some of the premier makers of both England and the American colonies.
• RittenhouseTown visit

2008 Meeting Photos:
The inagural Compass Collectors Association meeting was held in Philadelphia on April 12th at the American Philosophical Society. Click here for all the photos.

2008 Meeting Topics:

• Demonstration on dividing a compass needle ring where the use of a dividing plate will be part of the presentation.
• Presentation by Steven Turner of the Smithsonian on “Early Instruments in the Museum’s Collection.”
• Presentation on “The Art of Colonial Surveying Instruments.”
• Demonstration by Dale Loberger focusing on period techniques, instruments, and attire to graphically illustrate the environment and procedures in which these instruments were used.
  
• Instrument Evaluation Session where members are encouraged to bring instruments from their collections.
• Swap Meet, including compasses, books, and other items relating to the early surveying trade.
• Click here for all the info on the inagural meeting