Orkney Natural History Society

The first President was the Reverend Charles Clouston, a Prebystarian Minister from Stromness. The second president was the Rev. William Clouston, who published widely on Orkney flora and fauna.^[5] Members in this early period included marine botanist Dr Pollexfen, Dr Wallace, Dr P. Neill, and Dr Traill.^[6] Prominent botanist and astronomer Edward Joseph Lowe was an honorary member.^[7] The Society's First Annual Report listed 118 ordinary members.^[8]

The Orkney Natural History Society founded the Stromness Museum. The museum was intended to promote the study of the natural sciences. Specimens were sourced from Upper Canada, Norway, France, Italy, Britain and Orkney itself. It held notable collections in Orkney algae and birds.^[9]

In 1858, the museum moved into 52 Alfred Street, Stromness, above the Town Hall. In the 1920s, the Society bought up the Old Town Hall building where it remains today. The museum was re-opened on the site in February 1931 by Lord Lieutenant of Orkney.

Today, the museum features collections in natural history, maritime history, ethnography, archaeology and social history.^[10]