The inaugural meeting of Rathfriland Historical Society was held in the Library, John Street on Tuesday 16th January, 1973, when a group of locals with an interest in the history of the area met and decided to form a local history society. The group consisted of Dr. Francis McPolin (President), Mr Gordon Bell LLB. (Chairperson), Mrs Maude Harbinson (Secretary), Miss Dorothy Skelly (Treasurer), Mrs E. M. Clarke (Press Correspondent). Committee members included Mrs G. James, Mrs J. Watts, Miss F. Stevenson, Miss U. McGrath, Dr. R.I.R. Shannon and Mr T. Cromie, other members included, Diane Magowan, Colin Rooney, Benedict Monaghan, Jacqueline Ervine, Pearse Rooney, Dympna Laverty, Kathleen McGrath, Finola Laverty, Mrs J. Carlton, C. Murray, J. Crommie, Mrs W. Bingham, Misses F & D Stevenson, Mrs E. James, Mrs Heslip, and Mrs WM. Harbinson. Since then the society has grown and there are currently over 50 members.
New members and visitors are always very welcome. Membership remains at £15 per annum or visitors are just £3 each evening.
The society meets on the last Tuesday of each month in the Parish Centre, Loughbrickland Road, Rathfriland. BT34 5AA at 7.45pm. and hosts a wide range of visiting speakers. The society also has at least one outing each year, and an annual dinner.