Master Swimming officially started May 2, 1970 after Captain Ransom J. Arthur, M.D., a San Diego navy doctor convinced John Spannuth, President of the Coaches Association to hold the first National Masters Swimming Championships in his Amarillo Aquatic Club pool. Ransom felt that if the incentive was appealing, it would give older swimmers (ex-competitors and beginners) a goal for keeping physically fit. Dr. Arthur's mission of encouraging adults to improve fitness through swimming has grown over the years into a nationwide organization of over 42,000 adult swimmers.

USMS has a rich history filled with legendary swimmers and volunteers contributing to the cause of providing for lifelong fitness through swimming. In 1996, USMS initiated an archives project aimed at preserving this rich history and telling the story of United States Masters Swimming. The History & Archives project and committee has contributed significantly over the years to provide for archives of USMS Top Ten, All American, and All-Star listings. It has also initiated projects to maintain Stories About Swimmers and an Oral History from a variety of contributors. There are many facets of the History & Archives projects that are underway. These projects have been provided through the SwimGold.org web site over the years. We are currently converting these archives over to the USMS web site and will be updating this area as this project progresses.