Visits are arranged during the summer to exhibitions and places of interest, typically in the evening or at a weekend, and using members' cars (lifts can be arranged). The Visits are sometimes related to our lecture programme, for example a visit to Silchester, and a talk on the Roman town. Visits to local villages are particularly popular, and are generally led by an expert guide with access to buildings not normally open to the public.
Guided tours of Abingdon's historic centre are organised, particularly for visiting parties from other societies or in connection with civic events. For further information, please get in touch.
Excavations are undertaken by the Society, with the professional support and guidance of the Oxford Archaeological Unit. We have a long record of work on important sites in and around the town, and our major work is reported in reputable journals such as Oxoniensia. A number of our younger members have progressed to become professional archaeologists. Excavation work takes place at weekends. If you are interested in joining the digging team, please get in touch.
Local History is catered for by a specialist group. Members follow their interests in different aspects of the history of Abingdon and its surrounding region. Some members concentrate on particular time periods; others on specific themes, such as buildings and townscape, or families and genealogies. Members publish widely, and a regular journal is planned. Meetings (four per year) feature presentations by members on their current projects, followed by discussion. If you are interested, please get in touch.
The Society has an excellent library, covering both general and specialist interests. The library is accessible during meetings, and items may be borrowed. There is also an extensive collection of photographs covering both Abingdon in general and the activities of the Society. These are available by arrangement for use in displays and publications.