| The Society was founded at a meeting held in the Mechanics' Hall, Dumfries, at 8.00 p.m. on Thursday the 20th November 1862. The meeting had been called at the instigation of Dr. James Gilchrist, Dr. J.Dickson and Mr W.G.Gibson who had decided to 'call together … local gentlemen interested in the cultivation of Natural History and Antiquarian Research at Dumfries.' The first President was the eminent natural historian Sir William Jardine, Bart., of Applegarth. |
| Membership rose quickly and the first volume of the Proceedings and Transactions (for 1862-63) were published the following year. From about 1868 there was a reduction in numbers and the Society fell into a decline during the early to mid 1870s. However, the Society was re-constituted at a meeting held on 3rd November 1876 at No 1 Union Street, Dumfries. From that day to the present it has continued strongly in existence providing a focus for interests in all antiquarian, archaeological, historical, genealogical and natural history topics for Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire and the surrounding areas. |
| The routine business of the Society comprises a series of (usually) 11 Winter evening lecture meetings - one of which is usually a 'Members' Night'. All meetings, unless otherwise indicated, are held in the Cumberland Street Day Centre, Dumfries, at 7.30 p.m. The final meeting of the Winter Session is normally held in Kirkcudbright. |
| During the course of the summer months a number of Excursions usually take place. |
| The
current state of the Society is as outlined within the Report of Council. |
| The Society publishes an annual volume of Transactions and proceedings -
see fuller report |
| A list of Members, as in May 1998, appeared in volume 72 of the Transactions and a copy of the current Rules, dated 13th October 1995, appeared in volume 69. |
| The Honorary Secretary, Mr Robert McEwen, 5 Arthur's Place, Lockerbie DG11 2EB, deals with all matters other than membership which are normally dealt with by the Hon. Membership Secretary - this post is currently unfilled and those with queries regarding membership and subscriptions are asked, in the first instance, to contact the Hon. Treasurer. |
| The Society exchanges publications with a number similar organisations and like-minded institutions throughout the United Kingdom and around the world. These Exchange volumes are sent to the Hon. Assistant Librarian, Mr J. Williams, St Albans, 43 New Abbey Road, Dumfries DG2 7LZ. |
| Exchange volumes are deposited in the Library of Dumfries Museum at which location they may be freely consulted by members. However, as public opening hours may vary, it is recommended that prior contact be made with Museum staff (telephone 01387 253374) before visiting. |
| All payments, including subscriptions, should be made to the Hon. Treasurer, Mr Liam Murray, 24 Corberry Park, Dumfries DG2 7NG. The Hon. Treasurer will also be pleased to arrange Bonds of Covenant and Gift Aid, which can materially increase the income of the Society without, generally, any additional cost to the member. Payment of subscriptions |
| The attention of members and friends is drawn to the important Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax concessions which are conferred on individuals by the Finance Acts, in as much as bequests, or transfers of shares or cash to the Society are exempt from these taxes. |
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Limited grants may be available for excavations or other research. Applications should be made prior to 28th February in each year to the Hon. Secretary. Researchers are also reminded of the Mouswald Trust founded by the Society's late President Dr R.C. Reid, which provides grants for work on the Early Iron Age, Roman, Romano-British and early Christian periods. Enquiries and applications for grants should be made to Primrose and Gordon, Solicitors, Irish Street, Dumfries.
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