Overview of the Archive collections
The Archive collections date from the Society’s foundation in 1807 through to the present day, however the strongest holdings are for the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The collections are split into two main series:
Business Papers
The Business Papers series comprises the historical records created by the Society in the course of its activities, and therefore cover its principal functions such as membership, scientific meetings and publishing, and their administration.
Please note that individual membership records are not listed in the catalogue. Please see below for information on how to search for past members/Fellows.
Field excursion to the Lake District, September 1907. (Archive ref: GSL/CEN/6/4)
Deposited Papers
The Deposited Papers series comprises items which were donated to the Society’s Library and museum over the years, and includes letters, diaries, field books, drawings, prints, reports and annotated/manuscript maps.
The Deposited Papers series is generally arranged by creator. An overview of the most notable collections can be found here.
Coloured lithograph of Loch Assynt and Quinaig Mountain by Vincent Brooks after Charlotte Dempster, 1859. (Archive ref: LDGSL/535)
Information for researchers
Simple requests for information may be answered in response to emailed or written enquiries, but extended research cannot be undertaken.
The Archive collections are available for consultation by bona fide researchers only by appointment. Please contact the Archivist before visiting the Society to consult material in the archives, outlining the nature of your enquiry by email, by telephone (020 7432 0999) or by writing to the Archivist. On visiting, you will need to register as a reader and provide photographic ID. You may also be asked to provide references.
The Society reserves the right to refuse access to its archive collections or to individual items within them.
Researching past Members/Fellows of the Geological Society
The Society holds a virtually unbroken record of its Members, later Fellows, from 1807 to the present day. However for most individuals, unless they were particularly active in the Society, the information held will be limited, generally restricted to:
- Admission Certificates, 1810-present. As formal qualifications were not a prerequisite for entry as a Fellow of the Geological Society, the Certificates contained a minimal amount of information until the late 19th century. Typical information recorded on the pre-printed form until c.1877 would be: name of candidate; signatures of proposers; dates of proposal, ballot and election. After this date, the forms became more detailed, to include a candidate's rank or profession, place of residence and qualifications. Date of birth was not added until c.1914.
- Printed obituary in one of the Society’s journals if still a member on decease, 1828-present.
- Annual Membership/Fellowship lists, 1807-1996. Lists the name, election year and last known address for each member.
The Archivist can provide confirmation of a Fellow’s election date (subject to the Data Protection Act), but for more detailed information such as a transcript or photograph of the Admission Certificate or a PDF of the obituary, there will be a charge. Please contact the Archivist in the first instance.
History of the Geological Society
The following historical reference information is accessible on this site:
Brief history of the Society
Past Presidents of the Geological Society
Index of Society obituaries, 1828 to date
Acquisitions
The Library will consider donations of material relevant to the history of the Society or its Fellows. Donated material will be carefully evaluated by the Library according to its likely benefit to the Society and the resources involved in acquiring, maintaining and preserving it.
The Library is not obliged to keep donated items (especially if unsolicited) and may dispose, sell or donate them to other repositories.
Contact details
Archivist
The Geological Society
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BG
Email: archivist@geolsoc.org.uk