• Modified at: Wed Sep 19 12:15:17 GMT+0100 (GMT Daylight Time) 2001

Fonds level description compiled by Sarah Chubb, Archives Hub Project Archivist, August 2001.

The Abertay Historical Society was founded at a meeting in University College, Dundee on 29 May, 1947 by the Principal, Major-General D.N. Wimberley and History Lecturer, Dr Wainwright. It was formed to encourage the study of local history in Angus, Perthshire and Fife. The Society and Dundee University have maintained close links: meetings are held on University premises, while many members and office-holders have been University staff. The Society's original remit has been implemented through talks and lectures, excursions and annual publications, and with other agencies, it has also lobbied for the preservation of local historical buildings. It was instrumental in the creation of Dundee Heritage Trust. The Society also takes part in the Dundee Afternoon Lectures series, which is run jointly by the Dundee Centre of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the Dundee Members' Group of the National Trust for Scotland, the Dundee Naturalists' Society and the Abertay Historical Society.

The Archaeological Section was originally started as a semi-independent division of the Society, organising local excavations, and its own series of meetings, but from 1993, it was decided that the Council would oversee the running of the Section. The mid-1990s also saw the end of members excursions. For a brief period in the early 1970s, there was also an Industrial Archaeology Section, mainly concerned with recording the local industrial heritage.

Since the 1950s, there have been annual Abertay publications, the majority written by members.

Constitution, rules and related papers 1948-1978; minute books of Council and general meetings with related material 1947-1994; financial records 1947-1985; Programme Secretary files 1973-1998; Publication Secretary files 1952-1978; Archaeological Section reports, correspondence and notices, questionnaires and schedules relating to the Society's excursions, correspondence between Abertay Historical Society and various agencies, 1973-1996; correspondence relating to the Abertay Archaeological Section and other archaeological organisations 1959-1970; miscellaneous photographs, letters and notes 1960-c.1975; miscellaneous photographs and publications c.1972-1992.

System of Arrangement

Records are arranged chronologically within series. Some material is awaiting arrangement.

Custodial History

The documentation in this collection was created by various members of the Society, generally in their capacity as office-holders, and deposited in the archives at various times.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The records have been regularly deposited by office holders of the Society since 1985 (AccM/216, AccM/247, AccM/271, AccM/321, AccM/365, AccM/367, AccM/424, AccM/439, AccM/458).

Accruals

Further accruals expected.

Access Conditions

Open for consultation subject to preservation requirements. Access must also conform to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act and any other appropriate legislation.

Copyright/Reproduction

Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements. Charges are made for this service, and copyright and other restrictions may apply.

Existence of Copies

No known copies.

Existence/Location of Originals

The material is original.

Finding Aids

Descriptive list. Subject source lists and databases are also available.

Our collections are searchable online at

Maintained by: Michael Bolik. Last updated: Monday 01 July 2002 09:37 AM

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