In 1892, Skinner was a founding member of the Polynesian Society.
An active member, he held many roles over the next decades and was the society's president from 1925 to 1929.

Skinner had a deep interest in Taranaki history.
He supported the local library and is regarded as the founder of the museum in New Plymouth, Puke Ariki, through his donation of Māori artefacts.
His collection of Māori artefacts stemmed from his time as a surveyor when he frequently interacted with indigenous people.
Outside of Taranaki, Skinner was instrumental in having the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay protected as well as the pa site in Marlborough's Port Underwood where the Treaty of Waitangi had been signed in 1840.
In 1892, Skinner was a founding member of the Polynesian Society. An active member, he held many roles over the next decades and was the society's president from 1925 to 1929.
Skinner had a deep interest in Taranaki history. He supported the local library and is regarded as the founder of the museum in New Plymouth, Puke Ariki, through his donation of Māori artefacts. His collection of Māori artefacts stemmed from his time as a surveyor when he frequently interacted with indigenous people. Outside of Taranaki, Skinner was instrumental in having the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay protected as well as the pa site in Marlborough's Port Underwood where the Treaty of Waitangi had been signed in 1840.
William Skinner (ethnographer)