The Plymouth Athenaeum’s President and Vice-President, alongside fellow members, were on hand to help unveil the Society’s new ‘Wall of Fame’ at this month’s Anniversary Evening.
The Wall of Fame, which is situated on the walls leading from the Lower Foyer to the Library level of the building, commemorates members of the institution who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the organisation or to the betterment of society generally.
In addition to celebrating those who have contributed to The Athenaeum’s distinguished history, we hope the Wall of Fame will provide an opportunity for visitors to the building to experience and learn about the history of our 210-year-old organisation.
There are 14 inductees include world-leading scientists, such as Charles Darwin, historians, musicians, and figures who made contributions to learning and culture.
Each commemorative display board contains an image of the inductees and brief biographical information.
The Plymouth Athenaeum is a charitable society which promotes learning and study in science, technology, literature and art. The Society was founded on 17th October 1812 as the Plymouth Institute, but was soon renamed the Plymouth Institution.
During the 19th Century, the Institution strengthened through mergers with the Devon & Cornwall Natural History Society (1851) and the Plymouth Mechanics’ Institute (1899).
The Institution was renamed the ‘Plymouth Athenaeum’ when it moved into the current building on 1st June 1961.
Since 1812 our members have made contributions of great significance in science, technology, literature and art – locally, nationally and globally.