Dorset County Museum is an independent museum. Owned and managed by the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, it receives financial support from Dorset County Council and West Dorset District Council.
Open to anyone with an interest in Dorset’s past to join, the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society is an educational charity with around 2000 members. The history of the Society and its Museum can be traced back to the mid 19th century, and its mission today is:
The advancement of education for the general benefit of the public in the areas of archaeology, the natural sciences, natural history, literature, music, the fine and decorative arts, antiquities and local history relating to the County of Dorset.
The acquisition, preservation, conservation, exhibition and development (as far as possible) of collections relating to archaeology, the natural sciences, natural history, literature, music, the fine and decorative arts, antiquities and local history relating to the County of Dorset.
