The Society was founded in 1987, by Gordon Ritchie with the intention of preserving the history and heritage of the town of Stonehaven and area, and to encourage interest in the history by arranging meetings, lectures, exhibitions etc. Since then, the Society has thrived and now has over 390 members (home and abroad) this represents the largest group of its kind in the NE.
Online visits from members and particularly visitors overseas with a connection to Stonehaven and the surrounding areas are also significant. The Society has published several books on aspects of local history, to order one of these books see the publications section.
The Society also issues a quarterly magazine, "Stanehyve". Illustrated talks for members are arranged throughout the year with outings to places of interest. The Heritage Exhibition is held biannually to display part of the Society's large collection of photographs of Old Stonehaven.
