The Historical Background to the Collections…

The collections cover a number of disciplines studied by the Society. Some collections are quite comprehensive, others less so, but there is always a fascinating variety. For the most part, the collections have been donated to us by members, and some of these pre-date the formation of the Society. At other times we have been able to be the repository of items that might otherwise have been dumped or consigned to storerooms by other museums. The acquisition of our present premises in 1919 has enabled us to provide sufficient space to present these collections. Prior to that, in 1912, when the Society was hiring rooms for their activities and storage, the collections were offered to Bournemouth Council as a basis for a local museum – an offer which was never accepted nor replaced with a better scheme. Meanwhile, the Society offers the people of Bournemouth a chance to view some of their natural heritage.

The museum collections are open to visiting members of the public on Tuesday mornings between 10am and 4pm.  Groups from schools, universities or other educational establishments are also welcome by appointment to see the museum collections. For more information about visiting us, please click here.