[1][2] The Society's aim was to gain and spread knowledge related to science and history and they built a large collection for this purpose.

Landscape architect Sir John Murray Naysmith was commissioned by the Society to create a botanical gardens around the museum during the 1830s.

The offices and reading room of the YPS are located in Museum Gardens Lodge in York.

The Society holds a series of free public lectures every year covering subjects including science, technology, history, archaeology and geography.

Research grants are given by the Society in connection with its area of interest and awards are available for archaeology students.