About us

The Society was founded in 1936 by a small group of scientists, librarians and bibliographers centred on the British Museum (Natural History) in London. The Society is still closely associated with the Museum, now The Natural History Museum, which contains the national collections of natural history specimens and has a strong tradition in the historical study of these collections. Since its modest beginnings, the Society has grown in membership and international standing. It is known for its friendliness and its meetings combine intellectual excellence with opportunities for informal exchange of ideas. It is a focal point for the history of all aspects of natural history. This includes art, literature, biography and bibliography as well as  investigative historical studies.

Although it maintains strong links with The Natural History Museum, London, the Society also has a thriving international membership. Representatives in North and South America, Europe and Asia organise local meetings and an international meeting is held every other year, the most recent being in Leiden, The Netherlands, in May 2001.

The Society produces two regular publications; the Archives of natural history, a refereed journal, and a more informal Newsletter.

The Society’s affairs are conducted by a Council of members who meet regularly throughout the year. Individuals on Council take responsibility for the various functions that the Society performs.

You can contact the Society by post or email.