Research Introduction

This site is reserved for a dedicated OMSA Research Database that will be continuously built up over time for the use by the OMSA membership.

Non-members will have access to some of the research material, but not all of it as this is one of the benefits of joining OMSA.  As the research information grows, so hopefully will your interest in becoming an OMSA member. This only helps to fund our research work.

Research material will be added from a variety of sources: by direct submission from OMSA members and from appropriate posts on the OMSA Forum.  Criteria for inclusion in the OMSA Research Database will be based on the quality of the material as well as clearing any potential copyright issue. All material will ultimately be approved by the Board of Directors. Don't forget that OMSA has a special Research Fund to help you; see below for more details.

Currently, this initial Research Database is divided into several sections as shown below and will continue to change and grow as research information becomes more prevalent.

Click on these links below for more supporting information.

Collecting 101  

This is the home for basic research material and know-how to help the new collector. From medal terminology to basic reference books on orders, medals and decorations, this will be a source to help you get started. Anyone who wants to develop materials for the new collector or has existing material can post it in the Collecting 101 Forum for potential inclusion in this portion of our OMSA Research Database.

JOMSA Archive  

The flagship of the OMSA Research Database will be the future JOMSA Past Issues Archive. OMSA members will over time have access to more and more back issues of JOMSA and previous medal publications dating back to 1950. For OMSA MEMBERS VIEWING ONLY- Click the link above to get a preview of things to come!

American Medals  

This Link gives you access to the American Medals Research page, the OMSA Photo Database for American Medals and eventually some various related resource links to help you research your American medals and decorations.

British Medals  

This Link gives you access to the British & Commonwealth Medals Research page, the OMSA Photo Database for British & Commonwealth Medals and eventually some various related resource link to help you research your British and Commonwealth orders, medals and decorations.

International Medals  

This Link gives you access to the International Medals Research page, the OMSA Photo Database for International Medals and eventually some various related resource link to help you research your International orders, medals and decorations.

OMSA Library  

This link gives you information on how you can access the OMSA Library through the American Numismatic Association. Take advantage of this as it is free to OMSA members.

OMSA Research Fund  

In 2001, the OMSA Board of Directors approved a new program to be known as THE OMSA FUND FOR ORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS (ODM) RESEARCH. Learn more about this fund by clicking on the link above.