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About Us

Publications

Each autumn, the society publishes its transactions which are sent free of charge to all its members. These take the form of a series of short papers, chiefly by its own members, on a wide variety of topics covering all aspects of local history- The transactions have been produced every year since 1901 and collectively form the most comprehensive work available on the history of Halifax and Calderdale. Many of the backnumbers are still available and may be obtained at modest cost from the publications officer. In addition to the transactions, the antiquarian society also produces a newsletter to help keep members in touch with topical matters relating to local history and research matters.

Meetings

The society organises an extensive programme of evening meetings from the end of September to May of the following year. These take the form of lectures, slideshows, cine and video presentations, and are provided by invited guests and from within the society's own membership. Meetings are held at the Central Library, Northgate, Halifax.

Special Interest Groups

To cater for more specific interests, the society has at present two special interest groups, covering vernacular architecture and industrial heritage. The groups organise additional meetings and site visits suited to the interests of their respective participants in a fairly informal manner and are aimed to encourage closer group participation and the exchange of information

Day School

The society's annual day school was introduced in 1988. Each covers a topic of broad interest to local historians and is designed to allow the subject to receive more detailed study and analysis than would be possible during one of the evening lectures.

Library and Archive

The society possesses an extensive library which is housed adjacent to its meeting room, The library holds a large proportion of the main published works on the history of the area as well as pamphlets, almanacs, newspapers, photographs and maps. There are also many volumes relating to the rest of the West Riding and the north of England

 

During 1957, the Antiquarian Society loaned its large collection of deeds, documents and papers to the then Halifax corporation museums services This collection is now housed in the Calderdale archive department and may be consulted by members and non-members alike.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions fall into two categories, full membership and associate membership, the society also offers a corporate membership (for organisations) and overseas membership. Full members are entitled to all the benefits outlined above whilst associate membership is designed for members of the same household as full members. Associates do not receive publications. The minimum age for membership is eleven years.

 

Subscriptions are due on 1st January each year. New members joining after 1st October are offered 15 months initial membership at the annual rate in lieu of the transactions for the first year of joining

 

If you would like to join the Halifax Antiquarian Society, please click here to fill in the form.