The Northeast Council of Aquarium Societies was established in 1956 to assist and strengthen member societies, to act as a clearing house for material relating to the aquarium hobby, to assist local societies in publicizing their events and to promote the aquarium hobby in general. These goals remain as important now as they were then. New regulations are continuously being imposed and the computer age offers so many alternatives - both tremendous challenges to the tropical fishkeeping hobby. The NEC continues to promote education and comradery gained by sharing experiences and participating in other clubs' activities. Communication is still the key.

In 1976 the NEC hosted its first "Weekend Workshop" which was designed to teach hobbyists about new fishkeeping techniques, new fish available, the importance of conservation and assist the hobbyist with their fishkeeping goals. Over 30 years later the convention still holds to these ideals and provides speakers from across the United States and the world, meetings of specialty groups in the hobby, a Vendor Room, manufacturers' representatives, a giant auction of live plants and fish and endless networking possibilities to further your fishkeeping experience.

The NEC's Annual Convention is an opportunity to gather knowledge related to our hobby, meet that special speaker, mingle with long-time hobbyists and share your experiences with newcomers in the hobby. We encourage everyone to expand your knowledge and socialize with the friendly group who appear year after year; this is an educational and social weekend open to all and we invite you to come experience the NEC's Annual Convention this year!
Historically, the NEC has accepted membership from aquarium societies in the northeast area of the US; due to a recent change to our constitution, any club within the US and abroad can become a member of the NEC.

As of October 9, 1956, twelve clubs joined the NEC as Charter Member Clubs.