The Heidelberg district is the geographic area enclosed by the Yarra River in the south, the Plenty River in the east, Darebin Creek in the west and a northern boundary through Heidelberg West, Macleod, Watsonia & Yallambie
Origins
Following a successful historical exhibition held at St. John’s Anglican Church Hall, Heidelberg, a meeting of interested persons was held at the Heidelberg Town Hall on 18 April 1967 chaired by the mayor Cr. Vern Henderson, at which it was moved a historical society be formed. An interim committee was established at a further meeting on 25 May with Mr. Rollo Hammet as convener and Mrs. Patricia Bellgrove as secretary. Another meeting was held on 8 August and the first annual meeting of the new society was held on 10 October 1967 when a committee was confirmed into office.
During the inaugural years committee meetings were held in the old Shire Offices and the homes of various members. Bi-monthly general meetings were held at the Town Hall where members were addressed by speakers on a wide range of topics. Early activities included the establishment of a newsletter, organization of historic marker plaques, bus tours and the publication of various booklets. Work commenced at this time to collect material for a pictorial history of Heidelberg which was published in 1971 and the promoting of a major exhibition of historical material was held in the Town Hall.
1970s and 1980s
In the 1970s it became obvious that the Society with its growing membership and expanding collection of records & memorabilia needed a permanent home. Due to the generous help of the local Member of Parliament, Mr. Bruce Skeggs, negotiations were completed for the Society to occupy the old courthouse built at the turn of the century. After restoration the building was opened in 1979.
The general meetings first conducted at the Town Hall complex were transferred to the Uniting Church Community Centre, Ivanhoe where they are still held.
During the 1980’s the Society was actively involved with the 150th Anniversary celebrations of Victoria & with the bi-centenary in 1988. The Society played an active and important part in the 150th Anniversary of Local Government in November 1991 and also the Federation celebrations in 2001.
Current membership is in excess of 200, a figure of which we are justifiably proud. We extend our appreciation to the large number of members & supporters who have given their time generously serving on the committee, attending at the museum, assisting in historical research projects & supporting the meetings in general. It is this support which makes the Society highly successful in its endeavors. As we plan for the future, we look to present & new members for active support in preserving the wonderful heritage of Heidelberg for the benefit of future generations.
Old Heidelberg Court House
In April 1979 the Heidelberg Historical Society acquired the use of the Old Court House after a new Magistrates’ court was built close by. In the following months the Society did restoration work and maintenance work and established a museum in the old court. In November 1979 Bruce Skeggs MP, member for Ivanhoe, officially opened the Old Court House as the headquarters of the Society.
Museum
Housed in the old Court House which still retains many original furnishings, there are displays of objects photographs and maps. Our main exhibition is in the court room and is grouped around a variety of themes including historic homes and buildings, civic development and aspects of Heidelberg social history (personal memorabilia, including costumes and accessories).
Resource Centre
Looking for something in particular or just browsing? Our extensive collection of photographs, maps, and sub-divisions & sale posters, books, newspapers, newsletters, programs and brochures from churches, sports clubs and social organizations and a wide range of local history information are available to members and visitors.
Volunteer staff is always on hand to assist you with your research. Photocopying facilities are available and photographs may be reproduced by arrangement. A range of publications is available for purchase at the bookstand near the museum entrance.
We are interested in preserving YOUR heritage so if you have any material you wish to donate, for example photographs we might copy to add to the collection or any information about the district please let us know.
New members are always welcome.
