The Max Steiner Music Society was an active organization from 1965 to 1981. It was established by Albert K. Bender and operated out of Kankakee, Illinois. The society’s stated purpose was, "Aiming to perpetuate the mmusic of Max Steiner." The society gathered and distributed research and writings centered around the historical and critical appreciation of the film music scoring of Max Steiner, who has been called the "father of film music." International in scope, the society published these writings in regular journals, annuals, and bulletins primarily in America and Europe, but also throughout the world. It also maintained a music catalog of Max Steiner’s work, from which it distributed audio recordings. The society also recognized the accomplishments of other film music scores by presenting the Max Steiner Award.