The Society was formed in 1964 to encourage and promote interest in the study of the history of County Durham. It is a registered charity (no. 235597)

Our emphasis has been on recent centuries when County Durham was playing a major part in the economic and industrial growth of Britain and also making its individual contribution to the social, religious and political development of our country.

Like the County Durham Forum for History & Heritage, the area covered by the Society is the historic County Palatine – between the Tyne and the Tees, including the major urban areas south of the Tyne and north of the Tees.

The Society attends events promoting local history and issues a range of publications.

The Journal, available free to members, includes original contributions on Durham’s history, articles on sources and reviews of books. Other publications, covering original research on a wide range of local topics, are made available to members at reduced prices.