In 1821, Dr James Lawson Drummond with others, passionate about scientific discovery and the world around them, established a society in Belfast to promote the study of natural history. In 1831, it opened the first purpose-built museum in Ireland, funded by public subscription. The Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society pioneered archaeological, cultural and scientific research. ‘Cultivating a Love for Knowledge’, taken from the Centenary Volume, echoes the aspirations of the founders. Today, the Society continues with lectures, outings, publications and its custodianship of the Old Museum Building. This book tells the story of the Society, its activities over the last two centuries, and some of the major figures associated with it.