Currently, the ASA is raising awareness of ASA-accredited appraisers via a new global campaign called “The ASA Difference.” Members are encouraged to send a photo of their appraisal expertise in action or at their place of work. Over the past decade, social media and online marketing has transformed the way new members or young valuation professionals are attracted to the ASA. Today, there are many valuation organizations; however, none are as deep rooted in the history of the appraisal profession as the American Society of Appraisers.The ASA has come a long way from the early days of the organization to today. As the preeminent appraisal organization and the only multi-discipline association in North America, ASA-accredited appraisers are held as trusted, respected, and experienced in their area of appraisal expertise. The ASA has six appraisal disciplines: 1) appraisal review & management; 2) business valuation; 3) gems & jewelry; 4) machinery & technical specialties; 5) personal property; and 6) real property.Do you know that formal appraising in the United States emerged in the 1890s and early 1900s? A few companies formed during this timeframe to spearhead the emerging appraisal profession. In fact, the Factory Mutual Insurance System, a group of individuals who formed their own appraisal group, issued their first appraisal in 1890. During those early days, one of the major needs for appraisals was to prove the value of properties damaged or destroyed by fire.1Two primary groups, the American Society of Technical Appraisers (ASTA) and the Technical Valuation Society (TVS), organized in 1936 and 1939, respectively, paved the way for appraisers back then.2 The ASTA was primarily real estate and personal property focused, and the TVS focused on engineering valuation and eventually also included real estate and personal property.Over time, it became increasingly apparent there was overlap between the two associations, and in December 1951, it was decided that it was in the best interest of both groups that they merge. The target date for consolidation would be July 1, 1952, and thus the American Society of Appraisers (ASA)3 began. In general, the purpose of the ASA (also referred to herein as “the Society”) was to establish an effective professional affiliation of appraisers of all disciplines, working cooperatively to elevate the standards of the appraisal profession.The ASA had a total membership of 1,131 in 1957. In 1973, that number increased to more than 4,000, and as of current, the ASA has more than 5,100 members.The ASA Organizing Committee adopted the constitution and bylaws on Aug. 21, 1952. The code of ethics was also adopted on this date.In 1985, the Association of Governmental Appraisers (AGA) merged with the ASA. And in 1987, the Accredited Gemologist Association (the Master Gemologist Appraisers) merger was approved, followed by the National Society of Fee Appraisers (NSFA) in 1992.It is noteworthy that the terms of membership have changed over time to reflect economic and social changes. For example, the 1955 Constitution consisted of seven membership “grades”: 1- Associate; 2- Member; 3- Senior Member; 4- Charter; 5- Fellow; 6- Life and 7- Honorary. Currently, the ASA has Accredited Members (AMs) and Accredited Senior Appraisers (ASAs), as well as Members, Affiliates, Student Affiliates, Firm Affiliates, Candidates, Fellows (FASAs), Life Members and Honorary Members.Interestingly, in 1955, an “Associate” had to be 21 years or older; and a “Member” had to be 30 years or older. Currently, the Constitution states applicants for candidate membership shall be of “legal age.” Further, it was not until 1994 that the board of governors gave meaning to the letter abbreviations and decreed that the “AM” designation should stand for “Accredited Member” and “ASA” should mean “Accredited Senior Appraiser.”In 1968, an analysis of member specializations was conducted, which revealed that, of the 1,876 members, professional expertise was delineated as follows: Real Estate, 1,530 members; Public Utilities, 67 members; Machinery & Equipment, 51 members; and Insurance Appraisals and Fine Arts, 41 members each. The remaining specialties included Farms and Livestock, General Engineering, Forestry, Personal Property, Mineral and Ore Deposits, Securities, Water Rights, Archaeology, Breeding Farms, Racing Stables, Rare Coins and Paper Money, Medals, Autographed Prints, etc.Another interesting fact is that in 1968, there were eight disciplines: 1) Appraisal Administration; 2) Appraisal Education; 3) Machinery & Equipment; 4) Public Utilities; 5) Real Property; 6) Intangible Property; 7) Personal Property and 8) Technical Valuation. During the 1970s, members expressed the need for restructuring as each discipline desired more control over its education. It was not until about 1984 that the Business Valuation Committee and the Machinery & Equipment Committee were formed. Shortly after, Gems & Jewelry, Personal Property and Real Property committees were each formed. And then, in about 1991, Appraisal Review & Management came about, fine tuning the number of disciplines to a total of six.Since 1952, the evolution of ASA has been a steady pace of milestones. The Society has been fortunate to have members who have volunteered their time, business acumen and professional expertise, which has enabled the ASA to grow into the preeminent appraisal organization it is today. Appraisal practice has developed over the last 100-plus years alongside changes in business, globalization, government, and the economy. As ever, the ASA has been the leader in appraisal advancements for the benefit of their members and users of all appraisal services.Erin