from its inception the société engaged in archaeological work at numerous sites around the island; most importantly beginning work at la cotte de st brelade in 1905, a neanderthal site of international importance. in 1919 the société purchased the important neolithic site of la hougue bie, excavating it in 1924 revealing a neolithic chambered passage grave c.4000bc. the site was then restored and opened as a museum. the sociéte flourished throughout the 20th century, notwithstanding the difficult years of the german military occupation of the channel islands between 1940–1945. despite the severe hardships and lack of resources suffered by the island, the museum at pier rd remained open throughout the occupation, but despite protestations la hougue bie museum was requisitioned for military purposes by the nazi occupiers.