About our Society
The Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society was founded in 1967, by a group of visionaries, who saw the need to raise awareness of the County’s past.
Once founded the Aims of the Society were identified as “the collection, recording, study and preservation of the history and antiquities of Kerry, including the preservation of historical and antiquarian remains, the promotion of scientific excavation and the publication of a journal”.
In the intervening years those aspirations have expanded to include, the nurturing, fostering and promoting of an interest in the wider culture and heritage of County Kerry.
Today, we have over 500 members, internationally. Our society hosts a series of autumn, winter, and spring lectures. During, the summer months we organise outings to a variety of sites of historical/archaeological interest, sometimes even venturing abroad.
We are unique amongst historical/archaeological societies in that we publish, both a journal and a magazine annually. The Journal of the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society is highly regarded amongst academics worldwide. This been published since 1968 and contains detailed articles pertaining to our county’s archaeology and history. It was joined in 1989 by The Kerry Magazine. Both of these publications are supplied free of charge to our members.
In 1986 the Society instituted the Kerry Heritage Award.
We liaise closely with Kerry County Council (www.kerrycoco.ie) through Kerry Library Service (www.kerrylibrary.ie), Kerry County Museum (www.kerrymuseum.ie) and directly with its Arts Officer, County Archaeologist, Conservation Officer, and Heritage Officer.
Through our Outreach Programme, we have liaised closely with Muckross House (www.muckross-house.ie), Muckross Traditional Farms, Killarney, Kerry Writers’ Museum (www.kerrywritersmuseum.com), Kerry Education Centre, Tralee (www.edcentretralee.ie), Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne (www.westkerrymuseum.com), the Institute of Technology, Tralee (www.ittralee.ie) and various primary and post-primary schools throughout the County.
Our society is all about keeping our ‘Past Alive’ for future generations. New members are always WELCOME. So why not join us!