The Costume Society of America advances the global understanding of all aspects of dress and appearance. We work to stimulate scholarship and encourage study in the rich and diverse field of costume. The Costume Society of America advances the global understanding of all aspects of dress and appearance. We value five major purposes: To stimulate scholarship and encourage study in the rich and diverse field of costume. To disseminate information on dress and appearance. To raise the profile and credibility of the field of costume. To network among our members and with other people and organizations having costume interests. To manage and govern the organization to serve the membership. We serve individuals, students, institutions, and libraries. Our primary membership consists of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, both generalist and specialist, who share a passion for the history and serious study of costume. We seek members who are involved in the study, education, collection, and preservation, presentation, and interpretation of dress and appearance in our PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE societies.