|  The "Societé d'Histoire Vaudoise" was founded in Torre Pellice on 6th September 1881 to promote historical research on the Waldensian movement and churches, on the Reformation movement in Italy, on the Waldensian Valleys and surrounding area, and to organize a collection of the relative documentation. With these aims in view and aided financially by church bodies and private persons, a historical archive was set up, together with a specialized library enriched by volumes of outstanding interest (bought or donated), and a Waldensian History Museum.In 1884, what is now the oldest national historical periodical still in activity, was first published: the "Bollettino"; this journal, bi-yearly at the present time, has changed its periodicity through the years. Every 17th February since 1902, the Society has published a popular historical booklet to mark the anniversary of the political and civil freedom granted to the Waldensians by King Carlo Alberto in 1848.
In 1933, due to the demands of the Fascist authorities, the name was changed to (the Italian) " Società di Storia Valdese", the policy being to eliminate the French language, then in 1935 to the actual name of "Società di Studi Valdesi" (to remain outside the organization of the historical studies association of the regime).
The Society has always been an association run on a regular company basis, having as its central organ the Annual Assembly of Partners, by which the Executive Chair is elected. In 1990, together with th Waldensian Board, the Society set up the Waldensian Cultural Centre in Torre Pellice, to which it legally transferred its museums and promotional activities.
Institutional aims and responsibilities:
1) The Society proposes to further studies and research on the history and diffusion of the Waldensian movement and churches,on the different Reformation movements in Italy and on the Waldensian Valleys.
2) The Society carries out its aims by means of:
a) |
the publication of research results and documents in its bulletin (Bollettino) or in other centres |
b) |
the organization of study conferences and meetings on a national and international level; |
c) |
the organization and running of the specialized historical archives which are also available for
scholars; |
d) |
the setting up of and the running of a Waldensian historical museum in Torre Pellice and other specialized museums in other towns of the Waldensian Valleys; collaboration with local Council authorities or private associations for the realization of similar projects in the rest of Italy; |
e) |
the preservation and enhancement of the historical and archival heritage of the Waldensian Valleys in collaboration with the churches, with the Waldensian Board, local Council authorities and private persons who are interested; |
f) |
the sharing of resources, publications and interchange with other associations having kindred aims; |
g) |
the encouragement and propagation of interest in the history and study of the Waldensian movement and churches, of other religious reformation movements in Piedmont and Italy and on the area surrounding the Waldensian Valleys; |
h) |
the participation,in any form, in other cultural Associations and Trusts having the same aims, either partly or totally, as the Society. |
3) The Society is a non-profit-making body (art. 2 of Statute)
Research activities
The Society:
a) is available for consultation and guidance, its archives and library being at the disposal of students and scholars;
b) promotes historical research in the fields of its interests by means of the organization of working groups and, within its financial limits, of the endowment of grants;
c) national and international meetings and congresses of history;
d) maintains contact with a number of Italian and overseas cultural associations;
e) carries out editorial activities and the below mentioned cultural activities.
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