Society History

History of Society

The Warrnambool & District Historical Society (WDHS) was founded in 1966 with the object of gathering information and items of local historical significance and preserving them for the enjoyment of future generations.
 
The Society studies the history of Warrnambool and interprets that in the form of exhibitions, publications, guided tours and public presentations in order to foster a greater understanding of the people and historical processes which have shaped our community.
 
History House is an approved Public Record Office of Victoria Place of Deposit (POD) for local historical items.

Members are on hand to assist with historical enquiries and remote research queries can be undertaken by our research team. These services incur moderate fees based on an hourly rate.

Photographs from our collection and a variety of books and booklets on local history are available for purchase.
 
WDHS has created a collaborative working relationship with Warrnambool Family History Group and the two groups 'HeritageWorks' share resources that greatly benefits both members and the public.
 
The two groups share a research centre, HeritageWorks, located at the south end of Gilles Street, behind the Mozart Hall. We hold a large collection of photographs, documents, books and artefacts which can be accessed by the public during opening hours.
 
Opening hours please click here