Agency Details Agency Number: NG1525 Title: ROYAL SOCIETY OF TASMANIA Start Date: 01 Jan 1843 End Date: Description: The Royal Society of Tasmania is the oldest scientific society in Australia and New Zealand. It was founded in 1843 by Sir John Eardley-Wilmot, Lieutenant Governor, as the Botanical and Horticultural Society of Van Diemen's Land to 'develop the physical character of the Island and illustrate its natural history and productions'. Queen Victoria became Patron in 1844 and the name was changed to The Royal Society of Tasmania of Van Diemen's Land for Horticulture, Botany and the Advancement of Science. The name was shortened to The Royal Society of Tasmania in 1911. A branch of the Society was formed in Launceston in 1853. It lapsed but was reconstituted in 1921. Information Sources: Website of the Royal Society of Tasmania Legislation Administered: Legislation Creating: Legislation Abolishing Agency: Functions Performed: • 43 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Subsequent Agencies: • TA1568 ROYAL TASMANIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS 01 Jan 1828 Related Agencies: • NG1675 LESTER FAMILY 01 Jan 1930 • NG2882 ROYAL SOCIETY OF TASMANIA (NORTHERN BRANCH) 01 Jan 1974 30 Oct 1991 Series Created By Agency: • NS1525 ANNUAL REPORTS, ACCOUNT BOOKS RELATING TO THE ROYAL SOCIETY GARDEN 01 Jan 1847 31 Dec 1885 • LMSS120 MINUTES OF THE NORTHERN BRANCH OF THE SOCIETY 10 Jan 1862 23 Feb 1973 • AF201 INDEX TO BURIALS AT CHARLES STREET CEMETERY 01 Jan 1902 31 Dec 1919 • AF202 INDEX TO BURIALS AT SCOTCH CEMETERY 01 Jan 1902 31 Dec 1919 • AF203 INDEX TO BURIALS AT THE CATHOLIC CEMETERY, GLEN DHU 01 Jan 1902 31 Dec 1919