Abertay Historical Society

The Constitution, rules and related papers, 1948-1978; Minute Books of Council and General Meetings with related material, 1947-1994; Financial records of Abertay Historical Society, 1947-1985; Programme Secretary Files containing arrangements and correspondence for speakers at the meetings of Abertay Historical Society, 1973-1998; Publication Secretary files and miscellany concerning the distribution and sales of various Abertay publications, 1952-1978; File containing correspondence and miscellaneous material, divided into four sections, 1973-1996; Material relating to the Abertay Archaeological Section of the Abertay Historical Society and other archaeological organisations, 1959-1970; Printing blocks and plates used in Abertay publications, slides and cine film of excursions, c.1956-1987; Miscellaneous photographs, letters and notes, originally found together in one file and probably belonging to John and Elise Wilson, 1960-c.1975; Miscellaneous photographs and publications, c.1972-1992; Abertay Historical Society research, c.1935-1936.

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.

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

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

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, Acc2002/38, Acc2002/72, Acc2003/114).

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

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

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.

Further accruals expected.