The Gypsy Lore Society was founded in Great Britain in 1888 to unite persons interested in the history and lore of Gypsies and rovers and to establish closer contacts among scholars studying aspects of such cultures. David MacRitchie was one of its founders and he worked with Francis Hindes Groome until 1892 to produce its quarterly journal. From 1892, the organisation was dormant until its revival in 1907, when MacRitchie became its president.
Another early member of the society was Sir Richard Burton, who wrote from Trieste in 1888:
| “ | We [The Gypsy Lore Society] must advance slowly and depend for success upon our work pleasing the public. Of course, all of us must do our best to secure new members, and by Christmas I hope that we shall find ourselves on the right road. Mr. Pincherle writes to me hopefully about his practical studies of Gypsy life in Trieste. As regards Orientalism in England generally I simply despair of it. Every year the study is more wanted and we do less. It is the same with anthropology, so cultivated in France, so stolidly neglected in England. I am perfectly ashamed of our wretched "Institution" in Hanover Square when compared with the palace in Paris. However, this must come to an end some day. | ” |
Since 1989 it has been headquartered in the United States. Its goals include promotion of the study of Gypsy, Traveler, and similar wandering cultures worldwide. Its biannual journal, Romani Studies, continues its former Journal, concerned with disseminating accurate information aimed at increasing understanding of these cultures in their diverse forms. The Journal appeared in four series, starting in July 1888. The Society's archives are held at the University of Liverpool.
Among the Gypsy and Traveler cultures represented include those traditionally known as Rom, Romnichels, Calé, Sinti, Ludar, Romungre, Irish Travellers, Scottish Travellers and others.
The Society also sponsors programs and conferences. The Society has established the Victor Weybright Archives of Gypsy Studies, specializing in recent scholarly work on Gypsy, Traveler and related studies, for the benefit of researchers and students.