Typically, the history of rural, Gaelic-speaking, communities in the Western Isles was passed on to subsequent generations through oral tradition rather than written documentation and records. This unique way of maintaining local history, legend and indeed myth, was supported and perpetuated through ceilidh, reminisces, song and bardachd (poetry).

Initially, the Comunn Eachdraidh approached local individuals who it was felt would be able to contribute to the archive through taped audio or video interview. As CEN began to establish itself, community empathy and involvement in the movement flourished. Individual oral recollections of local history were recorded - usually in Gaelic – before being transcribed and often translated into English. Photographic contributions from the public would subsequently develop into a rich archive of several thousand images relating to north Lewis during the late 19^th and the 20^th centuries. These would also prove to be invaluable in providing a powerful resource for further research and documentation. In addition various artefacts relating to the cultural, social, domestic, agricultural and maritime history of the community were loaned or donated to the historical society. Other material was also sourced through established organisations such as the School of Scottish Studies, The Ordinance Survey Archaeological Department and The Royal Commission for Ancient Monuments, the National Museum of Antiquities and the BBC.

A second MSC Job Creation Programme in 1978 saw three individuals employed to work on various local history related themes. These included reminisces of World War 1; local genealogy in the form of ‘croft histories’; bardachd (poetry) and spiritual songs.

An exhibition was held in the summer of 1978 which brought together and illustrated the extent and quality of the work that had preceded it. The exhibition served to generate additional interest in local history and provided an excellent educational resource for locals, visitors, historians and academics. The success of this event proved to be a catalyst for regular summer exhibitions within the community.

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis has also published or produced material over the past two decades. Between 1978 and 1986, the society produced a series of four audio cassette tapes – Na Nisich I-IV – with local singers being recorded singing traditional Gaelic song that had been written over the years by Ness bards. In addition, there was publications like Leabhar nan Comharraidhean (a unique book of local sheep earmarks) and later the popular Leabhar a Fon (Ness phone book) which contains the names, addresses and Gaelic patronymics of every telephone holder in north Lewis.

In 1978, CEN managed to salvage and renovate a traditional Sgoth Niseach   The boat, a veteran of the former line-fishing fleet that operated from Ness, was named the Jubilee as its renaissance also marked the jubilee year of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne.

In 1981 local farmer Donald Morrison leased the Dell Mill to the Comunn Eachdraidh.  A small but productive restoration project managed to carry out much needed repairs.

In 1984 CEN managed to obtain a lease of the Lionel Old School, which offered the society its first permanent base and exhibition space. Previously, archives and artefacts had to be stored in temporary accommodation at Cross School. This enabled a further programme of activity and MSC sponsored employment which further enhanced the society’s collection.