Our Society
Dorset Museum is owned and cared for by members of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society.
A lively organisation of over 2,000 members, it was Dorset’s first conservation organisation being established to collect, preserve, research and exhibit objects relating to the archaeology, natural history, art, literature, and culture of Dorset.
Foundation of the Society
An independent Society, Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Field Club was founded by James Buckman from the result of a meeting at the Digby Hotel, Sherborne on 16th March 1875. The Society was modelled on the Cotteswold Naturalists’ Field Club of which he had been a member. Buckman was the secretary of this club and editor of The Proceedings until his death in 1884.
The Field Club worked in friendly cooperation with the Museum Society for many years. The two organisations amalgamated in 1928, under the new title of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, owning and running the affairs of the Dorset Museum.
Portrait of James Buckman (1814-1884)
By Philipa Kemmis Rowe, c. 1840.
James Buckman with an ammonite by his side. Buckman studied these and other fossils from Dorset’s oldest rocks. He became a Professor of Botany, Geology, and Natural History, and had a keen interest in archaeology.
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Opening hours:
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Daily: 10.00am - 5.00pm
TASTE Café
Daily: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
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Admissions:
10% discount for Adult and Young Person Unlimited Ticket booked online using discount code DM01
BOOK ONLINE SAVE 10% -
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For more information
[email protected]
Membership
Become A Member Today!
Become a member of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society today and get a deeper insight into 250 million years of Dorset’s history, while you help protect its rich heritage for future generations.
Talks
10 July - 23 October 2024.
Sensing the Past
"Sensing the Past" was a collaborative and co-produced project involving The Dorset Blind Association, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
Find out more19 July - 3 November 2024
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is returning to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Find out more14 October - 3 November 2024
Totally Chaotic History Museum Trail
This October Half Term, take part in the Cabinets of Curiosities Halloween trail and explore spooky objects, folk tales and stories from the past.
Find out more23 October 2024, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Store Tour
Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out more24 October 2024, 10:00am - 10:30am
Storytime at the Museum
Come and join us for fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in our Community Space at the Museum.
Find out moreThursday 24th October, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Teacher Open Evening
Join the Learning and Engagement Team on Thursday 24th October for our Teacher Open Evening. Teachers and school staff are invited to meet the Learning…
Find out more24 October 2024, 7pm
The Year Clock
The Year Clock is a play that delves deep into the themes of language, speech, and human communication. It focuses on the life and legacy of William Barnes, a self-educated Dorset teacher and parson who lived from 1801 to 1886.
Find out moreFriday 25th October, 11:00-12:00
Exhibition Tour: Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Join us every Friday at 11:00 for a free tour of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition with our trained museum guides! This…
Find out more26 October - 3 November 2024
Cabinets of Curiosities Halloween Trail
This October Half Term, take part in the Cabinets of Curiosities Halloween trail and explore spooky objects, folk tales and stories from the past.
Find out more