How to join the Shaftesbury & District Historical Society

Shaftesbury Historical Society was founded in 1946 by a dedicated group of local people with a vision and an interest in the history of the locality.This started with a series of winter talks, and quickly expanded to include a summer outing and informal discussion groups, which led to some members undertaking research into the town's past.

This in turn started a drive to set up a local history museum where objects could be displayed and members could meet to exchange ideas and further their studies. Just two years after the Society was formed the small collection of objects had outgrown the space provided for it in the Town Hall and other premises were sought. With generous help from local people the property behind St Peter's church at the top of Gold Hill was purchased and the exhibits moved. Our Town Museum was born.

Then, as now, it was staffed by volunteer helpers and open during the summer months. Members undertook research and fieldwork, adding considerably to the collections to make it what it is today. The collections continue to grow and develop. With an ever-increasing change to the pace of life, reminders of the past play their part in our present.

How to join?

Just complete the membership form and send it with a cheque made payable to 'Shaftesbury & District Historical Society' to the address on the form.

Annual Membership

Adult: £10.00
Family £18.00
Student £3.00
Life Member £50.00

Email: sdhs@waitrose.com

Membership benefits

Monthly talks: We arrange a series of lectures during the winter months on objects of historical interest.

Teulon Porter Lecture: This annual lecture is dedicated to the founder of the Society, Noel Teulon Porter, a keen archaeologist who retired to Shaftesbury from Cambridge.

Field Trips: The annual summer outing is very popular.

Social Events: Several social events take place during the year including the summer garden party.

Gold Hill Museum & Garden: The Society owns and operates the Town Museum located on the top of the world famous Gold Hill. Admission to the museum is free for our members.

History Working Group: This group meets periodically and undertakes specific research projects. It also produces information pamphlets, which are sold in the museum shop.

Library and Archive: There is an extensive library of books and an archive of material on the town's past. This is available free for members to use. So if you want to find out about some aspect of the town's past this is probably the best place to start looking. We can also refer people to other sources such as the Dorset County Museum of which the Society is a member.

Newsletter: To keep you up-to-date with the activities of the Society.

Free entry to Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden