HISTORY
The Antique Lighting Dealers Association (A.L.D.A) was established in May 2004 as a private non-profit trade association by a small select group of novice, collectors and dealers in the collectible antique and vintage lighting trade. These individuals were committed to the proposition that an association with specific interest and experience in collectible antique lighting would be of significant benefit due to the specialization needs of this increasing collectible venue as opposed to simply a general broad knowledge of “antiques.”
In January 2009 the Association launched its website and began a long tedious process of review,
evaluation and solicitation of a select limited number of professionals engaged in the
antique and vintage lighting arena to become Charter Members by personal invitation only. These dealers were selected because of their experience, knowledge, specialized expertise, quality of inventory, ethical practices and were identified as the calaper of members, who would provide a strong foundation to the principals and practices upon which the A.L.D.A. can guide its future. Quiet simply put, these individuals represent some of the very best in their fields.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Association’s Membership is composed of professionals who are engaged in owning, collecting, trading, and dealing in antique and vintage lighting. The Association is dedicated to integrity, honesty and ethical conduct in the collectible antique lighting trade. The Associations major objectives are:
- To promote professional and ethical standards in the antique and vintage lighting trade.
- To protect the interests of those who buy, sell or collect antique and vintage lighting.
- To pledge its membership to the highest standards of service.
- To present a group of dealers known for expertise in the antique and vintage lighting fields.
- To maintain a trade association for the business of antique and vintage lighting.
- To promote the expertise, experience and inventory of our membership and to encourage investors to purchase antique and vintage lighting from our members.
- To clearly designate our members by marketing and promotion of the A.L.D.A. Logo and what it stands for.
- To engage in research and share information concerning antique and vintage lighting.
- To sponsor exhibitions, conferences and lectures related to antique and vintage lighting.
- To seek in every legitimate way, the advancement of its members, and, with a due regard for the public welfare, in every way to defend and preserve the principle of individual merchandising in the antique and vintage lighting trade.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is composed of professional antique lighting collectors, traders and dealers 
who are dedicated to integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct in the collectable antique and vintage lighting trade. To be accepted, individuals must have a minimum of five demonstrated years of experience in the collection, trading, buying and/or selling of collectible antique or vintage lighting, complete the A.L.D.A Membership Application, be recommended by a member of the A.L.D.A in good standing, sign a certification agreeing to abide by the bylaws of A.L.D.A, and be approved by a majority vote of A.L.D.A Membership Committee at the time of application.
STANDARDS
All members adhere to “full disclosure” ethical principals in all lighting listings, selling summaries, 
information presentation and advertisement of their inventory.
All members are required to generate a certification of “Authenticity” in writing indicating, approximate or exact age, origin, composition, condition, and restoration or repair, if any, of all pieces that are held, traded or sold. All members also include any known factual “provenance” information available on all pieces.
To ensure that the standards set forth by the A.L.D.A are followed by all members, the Association has a standing Membership Committee. Membership is renewable on an annual basis, subject to review and approval by the Membership Board. Only those dealers who demonstrate dedication to the professional and ethical standards of the Association are invited to renew and continue their membership. Members who fail to abide by established standards are subject to sanction by the Association, which can include revocation of membership.
PUBLIC INFORMATION
The A.L.D.A strongly believes that good dealers in the antique lighting field tend to be specialists within their chosen field, rather than generalists, with years of expertise that the clientele can draw on for help, not just with the initial selection, but also with follow-up advice on proper care and repair. We urge you to not be afraid to ask questions; as a serious potential client, you are entitled to get as much information as possible from the dealer, and no reputable professional should or will begrudge any genuine enquiry.
Choosing a reputable dealer is a good way to minimize risks. By choosing a dealer recognized by the Antique Lighting Dealers Association (A.L.D.A.) you can rest assured that your deal would be legal, and adhere to the standards and the code of practice contained in its strict bye-laws. For this reason the A.L.D.A. recommends that you only deal with individuals who are members’ in good standing of the A.L.D.A for the purpose of researching, collecting, trading or purchasing collectible antique and vintage lighting. ALDA members take pride in the careful, personalized professional service they provide. Whether to acquire a single object, or to start or add to a collection, the Association cordially invites you to visit our members shops and galleries listed on our MEMBERS SITES page, and to make use of members' knowledge and experience.
To assist both members and the public alike, the A.L.D.A maintains its website for informational purpose of educating the public about the association, identifying the high professional and ethical standards of the association and its members, identifying A.L.D.A Members in good standing, soliciting feedback on the Association and its members, educating the general public about collectible antique and vintage lighting, providing information and articles, and conducting seminars and lectures on various topics concerning collectible antique and vintage lighting.