Trinity’s College Historical Society has been recognised as the world’s oldest student society by the Guinness Book of World Records.
The society, usually known as the Hist, was founded in 1770 and has debated issues of national, international and cultural importance ever since.
Finding the paperwork for the record to be officially entered into the Guinness Book of World Records required a painstaking two year hunt for the necessary photographic and archival evidence.
Hist Auditor Áine Kennedy said members of the society were “thrilled” by the news.
After putting together an extraordinary amount of archival and photographic evidence corroborated by independent expert witnesses, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ have recognised the College Historical Society of Trinity College Dublin as the oldest student society in the world! pic.twitter.com/WTi6kKK3pD
— The Hist (@TheHist) September 18, 2023
“The Hist continues to devote itself to learning lessons from the past and discussing the most pressing issues of our day,” she said.
“This achievement demonstrates a remarkable tradition of encouraging student voices, radical discourse, and oratorical excellence. For over two and a half centuries, the Hist has continued to cultivate these ideals.”
“Everyone here at the Hist is absolutely thrilled with our official recognition from Guinness World Records and incredibly excited for the celebrations we have planned in October.”
The award will officially be handed over to the Hist at a celebration on October 20th in the college’s Dining Hall.
The Hist is located in the Graduate’s Memorial Building - which it shares with Trinity’s other debating society, the Phil.
Main image: The inner courtyard on the campus of Trinity College Dublin. Picture by: mauritius images GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo
