The Ottery St Mary Heritage Society was formed in April 1999 and currently has a membership of around 200. The objectives of the Society are to educate the public in the geography, history, natural history and architecture of Ottery St Mary; and to assist in the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest. The long term aim is to create a permanent Heritage Centre within the town with facilities for a museum, an arts centre and an educational resource.