The general hobby of matchbox/matchcovers started in the 1800s. Phillumeny into its own especially for matchcover in 1918 as matchcovers were used more an more for advertising and individuals realized they were not alone in collecting covers.

In the 1930s a number of clubs were formed and frequently had a publication. Henry Rathkamp, Tom Torrent, Bob Oliver, Ken Riggs were the early pioneers that laid the foundation for the RMS, Rathkamp Matchcover Society in 1940. It is still an active organziation with an annual convention hosted by one of the local clubs.

There are many different types and genre of matchcovers that can be collected. At the convention members can trade covers often going to other collectors' rooms, sell covers, and many other ways to show off, buy, and/or acquire matchcovers.