The goal of the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece (a private organization), is the collection, preservation and exhibition of relics and written documentary evidence which shed light on Modern Greek history. Towards the fulfillment of its goal, the Society has set up the National Historical Museum, as well as Historical Archives, and the Library.

The Society was founded in 1882, approximately fifty years after the creation of the independent Greek State. Its founding members were men of science, letters and the arts, like Timoleon Philimon (first President of the HESG), N. Politis, Sp. Labros, D. Kambouroglou, B. Miliarakis, G. Drosinis et al.

The goals of the Society are accomplished through: the permanent exhibition, the custodianship of the collections, the organization of temporary exhibitions, publishing, educational and scientific activities, historical research through co-operation with similar cultural organizations and the supplying of material to researchers, are also seen as important functions.