Wigtownshire Societies

Family history societies often publish helpful journals, transcripts, compiled genealogies and host helpful websites. They may have ongoing projects to transcribe records and create indexes. Most societies publish queries in their journals and maintain lists of members’ research interests that may be helpful to you. You may want to join one of these societies, reap the benefits of their expertise and resources, or support its efforts.

Addresses of the societies are for the most part where their meetings are held as they are by-and-large not brick-and-mortar institutions.

Regional Societies
Ayrshire Archaeological & Natural History Society Blue Room New Bridge Street Ayr KA7 1JX UK Email: [mailto:info@aanhs.org.uk info@aanhs.org.uk] Website: Ayrshire Archaeological & Natural History Society


 * The Society's principal aim is to promote interest in archaeology, history, and natural history with particular reference to Ayrshire. The Society was for the counties of Ayr and Wigtown. This was the inception of the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Archaeological Association. In 1885 the title of the society was changed to the Ayrshire and Galloway Archaeological Association to extend its scope to Kirkcudbright. This Association was wound up in 1897 at the 14th general meeting.

Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society 9 Glasgow St Dumfries DG2 9AF UK Telephone: 1387 248093 Email: [mailto:secretary@dgfhs.org.uk secretary@dgfhs.org.uk] Website: Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society


 * Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society covers the three counties of South West Scotland – Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, and Wigtownshire. Our aim is to promote the study of family history and is run by volunteers. We do not contract to do research for others, we simply act as facilitators for researchers visiting our area who are doing their own research.

Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society Castle Douglas Parish Church Hall Queen St Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 1EG UK Telephone: 01387 710274 Email: [mailto:john.l.l.williams@btinternet.com john.l.l.williams@btinternet.com] Website: Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society


 * The objects of the Society shall be to collect and publish the best information on the natural sciences and antiquities (including history, records, genealogy, customs, and heraldry) of the three counties of Dumfries, Kirkcudbright, and Wigtown; to procure the preservation of objects of natural science and antiquities relative to the district; to encourage local research and field activities in natural science and excavations by private individuals or public bodies and afford them suggestions and co-operation; to prevent, as far as possible, any injury to ancient monuments and records, etc.; and to collect photographs, drawings and descriptions, and transcripts of the same.

Galloway Preservation Society Penninghame Parish Hall 1 Church St Newton Stewart DG8 6ER UK Telephone: 01644 450621 E-mail: [mailto:deshadnett@btinternet.com deshadnett@btinternet.com] Website: Galloway Preservation Society


 * The Society was set up in January 1964 and, since then has had the general objective of stimulating interest in and preserving the beauty, history, and character of Galloway. This encompasses both natural and man-made features. The Society covers Kirkcudbrightshire and Wigtownshire.

Local Societies
Wigtownshire Antiquarian and Natural History Society Stranraer Library Lecture Theatre North Strand Street Stranraer UK Telephone: 01776 860214 Email: [mailto:wigtownshireantiquarian@gmail.com wigtownshireantiquarian@gmail.com] Website: Wigtownshire Antiquarian and Natural History Society


 * To encourage the study of antiquarian and natural history subjects in general and Wigtownshire in particular.