Uig Historical Society

About

Uig Historical Society was established in 1984 and covers the area from Scaliscro to Breanish, including the islands off the west coast of the district. The area includes Ardroil, the place where the Lewis Chessmen are thought to have been found. The Society operates a museum based within the Uig Community Centre that is open in the summer months and by appointment at other times. The museum displays include artefacts, photographs, maps and a re-created blackhouse kitchen of c.1919 as well as providing space to access the extensive archive of genealogies and local history files compiled by the members.

Collections

Uig Historical Society contributed data to Hebridean Connections and much of the Society’s genealogical data, archive material and artefacts have been digitised and are available through the website.

Artefacts relating to domestic life and village trades comprise a significant element of the museum display. An historic timeline charts the story of Uig from the Stone Age to the outbreak of WW1 and information boards describing local crafts and the story of the Lewis Chessmen which were found on the nearby Traigh Mhòr line the museum walls.

Archive collections include:

• Oral histories
• Copies of parish registers and estate records
• Community council records
• Croft histories and genealogies
• Photograph collection
• Admissions register 1880-1964,  Library Lending Register for Crowlista Public School
• Admission registers for Islivig Public School (Breanish)
• Admission registers 1879-1968 for Lochcroistean Public School
• Admission registers 1912-1969 and Pupils presented for Post-Qualifying Courses 1924-1947 for Mangersta Public School
• Admission registers 1887-1971, attendance register 1921 for Valtos Public School
• Admission register 1994-2000 for Uig School