Welcome to the
Society of Massage Archives

Hands of History: We Have A Passion for History

The massage therapy profession has a rich and diverse history, filled with stories of innovation, advocacy, challenges, and triumphs. Yet much of this history remains scattered, forgotten, or at risk of being lost altogether. At the Society of Massage Archives, we believe preserving this legacy is not just about honoring the past—it’s about shaping the future.

Why Preserve Massage Therapy’s History?

  • Understanding Our Roots: The history of massage therapy reveals the evolution of a practice that transcends cultures, continents, and centuries. By uncovering the milestones and struggles of the past, we can better understand the journey that brought us to today.
  • Learning from the Past: Examining the successes and failures of those who came before us offers invaluable lessons. From battles for legitimacy to the fight for consistent licensing and educational standards, these experiences hold insights to inform the decisions of tomorrow.
  • Countering Misconceptions: For decades, the massage therapy profession has worked to distance itself from harmful stereotypes and misrepresentations. Documenting and sharing our history helps affirm the legitimacy and professionalism of massage therapy while distinguishing it from illicit practices.
  • Building a Stronger Future: To create a thriving profession, we need to draw from our collective history to advocate for better standards, stronger support systems, and increased respect. This archive will serve as a foundation for building the future of massage therapy.

Mission Statement  

To preserve & integrate the historical knowledge of massage therapy’s professional advocacy &  traditional techniques to guide and enrich our contemporary practices. Through the following  objectives, SOMA will ensure the profession’s history will be safeguarded and accessible for  future generations:  

  • Preserve Historical Artifacts & Documents  
  • Integrate Historical Knowledge With Educational Outreach  
  • Increase Public Awareness Of Massage Therapy’s Historical Significance
  • Foster A Sense Of Community By Celebrating A Shared Professional Heritage 
  • Encourage & Support Research & Documentation  

Vision Statement  

Our vision is to build a stronger professional identity, fostering a sense of culture and  community, and guide the sustainability & future growth of massage therapy

Our Team

Kirby Clark Ellis, MMT, BCTMB
(they/them/theirs)

Julie Onofrio, LMT
(she/her/hers)

Jeffrey Montoya, LMT, Ed.D (he/him/his)

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