The Société Jersiaise is a valuable resource for exploring the cultural and historical contexts of Jersey. It contains a vast collection of photographs that document various aspects Jersey’s past, including it’s people, places, events and traditions. By studying these photographs we can gain insights into the changing landscapes, lifestyles, and social dynamics of the island over time.

Mission

Their mission is to produce and facilitate research on the Island’s history, culture, language and environment; and to share that knowledge with the widest possible audience for the benefit of our island community.

They achieve this through their active Sections, research collections, community outreach and collaboration with local and international heritage partners.

The Société’s Sections specialise in various fields of study, from archaeology to zoology. These volunteer sections produce the raw data and research which make long-term studies possible.

The Société holds extensive bibliographic, cartographic, photographic and research collections which act as our long-term memory. These collections provide a vital resource informing contemporary study and value for the community through a greater understanding of our shared heritage, identity and environment.

History

The Société Jersiaise was founded in January 1873 by a small number of prominent Islanders who were interested in the study of the history, the language and the antiquities of Jersey.  Membership grew quickly and the aims of the new society soon widened to include the publication of historical documents, the founding of a Museum, and the study of the Island’s natural history.  Our first Bulletin Annuel was issued in 1875 and continues to be the main record of our activities.

The Museum found a permanent home in 1893 when it moved to 9 Pier Road, a large early nineteenth century merchant’s house.  The Museum, and it’s extensive collections are now looked after by Jersey Heritage but they continue to add to our collections annually.  In 1977 a large extension to our Museum on the site of No 7 Pier Road to house our library and meeting rooms was built.

Over the years, archaeological sites in Jersey for preservation and presentation were purchased. The two most important sites are La Hougue Bie, purchased in 1919, and La Cotte de Saint-Brélade, purchased in 1955. Extensive excavations have been carried out at both sites.

In 1913 the Société’s activities as a learned society were organised into ‘Sections’ for the study of different aspects of the island.  These Sections, now 14 in number continue to be the backbone of our activities. specialist staff are also employed specialist staff to look after the library and photographic archives.

The Museum and other collections have been largely built up through gifts and bequests which has ensured its preservation of many important items with relevance to Jersey including; books, manuscripts and maps, photographs, prints and paintings, archaeological finds and historical items.