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By Kate Gooderham
As the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) celebrates its centennial, we reflect on the decade that set the foundation for a century of coastal stewardship and innovation. The years 1926 to 1935 were marked by pioneering efforts, first-of-their-kind initiatives, and the establishment of traditions and standards that continue to shape our work today.
1926: ASBPA Formed
ASBPA was founded in 1926 by individuals who recognized the urgent need for an organized effort to combat coastal erosion—a serious and widespread problem. Experience had shown that long stretches of coastline were affected, making protective efforts by individual property owners or small communities ineffective. The expertise required to design comprehensive programs of protection was largely lacking, and in earlier times, navigation needs at major inlets were paramount, with no understanding of damages to adjacent shores caused by navigation works.
The founding members of ASBPA persuaded Congress to enact legislation authorizing federal sharing of the cost—first for erosion studies of specific problem areas and, later, for projects to address these areas. This advocacy required data collection, research on coastal processes, and the development and use of analytical techniques and hydraulic models (and, eventually, numerical models as well).
Coney Island Boardwalk 1923
Coney Island 1923
The formation of ASBPA followed a string of events in the 1920s, beginning with the New Jersey legislature’s 1922 investigation into beach erosion. This engaged the federal government, leading Congress to pass Public Law 71-250, which eventually resulted in the Corps creating the Beach Erosion Board.
The National Research Council also formed the Committee on Shoreline Investigation in 1926, which made recommendations that led to New Jersey Governor A. Harry Moore inviting the governors of the Atlantic and Great Lakes coastal states to meet in Asbury Park, NJ, on October 14-15, 1926. Eighty-five delegates attended and decided that a national organization should be formed.
An Executive Committee soon met in Norfolk, VA, to draft a constitution and bylaws, and the first headquarters was established at the National Research Council in Washington, DC. The Association was incorporated in 1933.
1933: Shore & Beach
In October 1933, Shore & Beach, ASBPA’s journal, began publication. Spanning seven decades, Shore & Beach has documented the evolution of our coasts, with 93 volumes. The articles in Shore & Beach began the development of modern coastal engineering and science, which emerged in the 1950s, and constitute a valuable resource on the state of the nation’s beaches, progress in understanding the science, engineering case studies, law of the coast, and planning, policy, and environmental issues.
The Vision Takes Shape
From its inception, ASBPA declared a broad and ambitious mission: “We are interested in all matters social, economic or scientific having to do with our coasts and the shore of our lakes and rivers.” This vision brought together scientists, engineers, policymakers, and community leaders, united by a shared commitment to understanding and protecting America’s shorelines.
Milestones and “Firsts”
The first ASBPA meeting convened on October 14-15, 1926, gathering coastal advocates to chart a course for the future. Just months later, the first field trip took place at Jacksonville Beach in December 1926, fostering hands-on learning and collaboration.
Other notable “firsts” in this era included the earliest beach restoration project at Coney Island in 1923, the first beach protection questionnaire in 1927, and the introduction of a standardized system of nomenclature in 1932—a system still in use today. The association also celebrated its first woman presenter, Miss Harlan James, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity from the start.
Building a National Framework
The late 1920s and early 1930s saw the federal government’s growing involvement in coastal issues. The Beach Erosion Board, precursor to the Coastal Engineering Research Board (CERB), was authorized, and influential figures like Morrough P. O’Brien and Thorndike Saville completed foundational studies. The River & Harbors Act of 1935 formally placed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Secretary of War, cementing the federal role in shoreline management. 
ASBPA’s early years were marked by coastal leadership. Capt. R.S. Patton, who would later serve as Shore & Beach editor (1933-1939), presented “The Purposes of the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association” in 1926, a paper published in 1934 that articulated the association’s guiding principles.
Under the presidency of J. Spencer Smith, ASBPA fostered a culture of inquiry and innovation, laying the groundwork for decades of progress in coastal science, engineering, and policy.
The decade from 1926 to 1935 was more than just a beginning—it was a launchpad for a century of leadership, advocacy, and achievement. As we celebrate 100 years, we honor the visionaries who set us on this path and reaffirm our commitment to the coasts and communities we serve.