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Celebrating 150 years of Société Jersiaise
The Société Jersiaise was founded in 1873 for the study of Jersey archaeology, history, natural history, the ancient language and the conservation of the environment.
2023 marked the Société Jersiaise’s 150th anniversary and, in celebration of this milestone, various productions took place throughout this commemorative year.
150th Year Events
Liberation Day
9th May 2023
Past, Present, Future Conference
9 June 2023
Adolphus Curry Day
10 June 2023
Jèrriais Day
10 June 2023
Victorian Day
17 June 2023
Battle of Flowers
11 August 2023
Open Day
4 November 2023
Commemorative Artwork
15th December 2023
A Timeline of our 150 Year History
1873
Foundation of the SJ including the library
1890
Discovery of La Cotte de St Brelade
1905
Beginning of systematic excavation of La Cotte by the SJ
1913-17
Excavation of La Cotte by the ‘British Association’ lead by SJ member R.R.Marett
1924
Purchase of headland at La Cotte de St Brelade and opening of Agricultural Museum at La Hougue Bie Discovery of the Neolithic tomb at La Hougue Bie by the SJ
1929
The SJ supports the States Department of Public Works in opening the castles to the Public following their gifting to the island by the Crown in 1907
1956
Opening of the Agricultural Museum at La Hougue Bie
1961-78
Link created with Professor Charles McBurney and Cambridge university to excavate La Cotte - including King Charles 3rd as a young archaeology student
1981
The SJ moves to no. 7 Pier Road, renaming its Library in honour of Lord Coutanche
1992
Establishment of the Photo Archive at the SJ
1993-2000
Henry Coutanche, former President of the Société, persuades the States of Jersey to fund an Archives’ building, which opens in Clarence Court in 2000.
2018
New agreement signed with the JHT, replacing that of 1987, along with the signing of leases for the management of La Cotte, La Hougue Bie and Hamptonne
1878
Opening of the SJ museum at no.6 King st, moving later to Halkett Place
1893
Gift of 9 Pier Road to the SJ and opening of the new Jersey Museum in 1894
1913
Creation of the first SJ sections to undertake study and research
1919
Purchase of La Hougue Bie by the SJ
1925
Barreau Art Gallery presented to the SJ in memory of A.H.Barreau
1955
La Cotte headland purchased by the SJ
1960’s-2002
SJ advocating for listing and protection of archaeological sites including La Cotte - finally achieved in 2002
1970-1981
Working with the States to establish The Jersey Heritage Trust at no. 9 Pier Road
1987
Agreement with the JHT to take over care of the SJ’s museum collections. The National Trust for Jersey along with the Government buy Hamptonne.
1993
Opening of Hamptonne to the public
2015
Digitisation and online publication of the first of the SJ’s collections, including 140 years of the Annul Bulletin – a process that continues today.
2022
Establishment of a combined online catalogue for the SJ and Jersey Archive
Jersey stamps celebrate 150 years of the Société Jersiaise
The commemorative stamps feature portraits of past members of the Société, each of whom has left a lasting legacy in their specific field of work. The portraits have been painted by Jersey artist Kevin Pallot and incorporate elements relating to each person’s area of interest.
Find Out More（https://www.jerseypost.com/about-us/news/2023/jersey-stamps-celebrate-150-years-of-the-soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-jersiaise/）
The 150 Years of the Société Jersiaise Blog Series
Freelance writer, Martha MacDonald has been working with Société Jersiaise throughout this anniversary year. In this series, Martha will delve into the archives and meet with the researchers, sample the Sections and celebrate all that the Société brings to our Island.
A deep dive into the world of Marine Biology Martha Macdonald November 22, 2023 A deep dive into the world of Marine Biology with Dr. Rebecca Kinnear Read More（https://societe.je/blog/a-deep-dive-into-the-world-of-marine-biology/）
Meet the Sections: The Société Jersiaise Open Day Martha Macdonald November 1, 2023 The richness of Jersey’s history, culture, language, and environment is well-documented, but those who carry out this documentation and research are seldom thrust into the spotlight. Much of this vital work takes place behind closed doors, and a large portion of it behind the doors of the Société Jersiaise, the Island’s oldest heritage organisation. Read More（https://societe.je/blog/meet-the-sections-the-societe-jersiaise-open-day/）
Garden History: digging over old ground and planting new seeds Martha Macdonald September 14, 2023 Martha MacDonald discusses Garden History with Section Chair, Pat Jackson. Read More（https://societe.je/blog/garden-history-digging-over-old-ground-and-planting-new-seeds/）
Looking to the future by excavating the past Martha Macdonald July 31, 2023 Whenever I visit the Société Jersiaise, nestled behind a granite archway on Pier Road, I get the same feeling I get when walking into places like the British Library or the V&A.