The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society
Also known as: The Dorset Natural History and Archeological Society, The Dorset County Museum
The advancement of education for the benefit of the public in the areas of archaeology, natural sciences, literature, the fine and decorative arts, antiquities and local history relating to the County of Dorset.The acquisition, preservation, conservation, exhibition and development of collections relating to the areas outlined above.
Activities & Mission
The advancement of education for the benefit of the public in the areas of archaeology, natural sciences, literature, the fine and decorative arts, antiquities and local history relating to the County of Dorset.The acquisition, preservation, conservation, exhibition and development of collections relating to the areas outlined above.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 98% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 344). How is this calculated?
Higher than 42% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 85% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £1,011,150 | £1,604,570 | £1,345,976 | £11,129,711 | £543,107 | 34 / 142 |
| 2024 | £1,055,745 | £2,789,954 | £2,526,665 | £11,429,638 | £491,171 | 28 / 100 |
| 2023 | £1,221,234 | £2,280,420 | £1,990,803 | £12,967,156 | £829,587 | 24 / 100 |
| 2022 | £1,442,790 | £2,829,605 | £2,698,811 | £13,331,580 | £132,511 | 29 / 50 |
| 2021 | £6,341,322 | £1,067,241 | £1,021,753 | £14,506,686 | £237,579 | 22 / 50 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society
What does The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society do?
The advancement of education for the benefit of the public in the areas of archaeology, natural sciences, literature, the fine and decorative arts, antiquities and local history relating to the County of Dorset.The acquisition, preservation, conservation, exhibition and development of collections relating to the areas outlined above.
How much income did The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society report in 2025?
The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society reported total income of £1.01m and reported expenditure of £1.60m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society?
The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society has a program ratio of 133.1%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 98% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 344 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society registered as a charity?
The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 14 May 1997 as charity number 1062400. It has been registered for 29 years.
Who runs The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society?
The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society is governed by a board of 11 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society operate?
The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society operates in Dorset, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society a registered charity?
Yes — The Dorset Natural History And Archaeological Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1062400.
Details
66 HIGH WEST STREET
DORCHESTER
DT1 1XA
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 2 other charities
Also Known As
- The Dorset Natural History and Archeological Society
- The Dorset County Museum
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated