A Heidelberg Tradition

Heidelberg Historical Society was formed in 1967.

Since then, we have developed a substantial collection of photographs, objects, maps, documents, works of art and other items that help to tell the story of Heidelberg and its surrounding localities. Our main areas of interest are those formerly in the municipalities that have included Heidelberg, including the Shire and City of Heidelberg and the City of Banyule.
We always welcome those interested in joining our Society as well as members of the public who wish to research the materials we hold in our museum.

Old Courthouse Museum

Our museum is located in the old Heidelberg Court House, Jika Street, Heidelberg, next door to the Heidelberg Police Station. Opening hours are 2PM to 5PM on Sundays. The Museum is closed for the holidays and will reopen on Sunday February 9, 2014.

Research our Collections

We have a large collection of photographs, maps, newspapers and other documents, books, art works, costumes and other items relevant to the history of this area. Visitors are welcome to research our collections.

Membership and Involvement

Anyone interested in local history can become a member. We welcome people who can assist us to staff the museum on open days and help us to keep our collections up to date and in good condition.
Our Area of Interest.
Following the 1838 land sales, "Heidelberg" was the name given to the district rather than the current Heidelberg suburb. The township was called Warringal until the 1860s. Later, the Shire/City of Heidelberg included Fairfield and Alphington to the south and went as far north as Hurstbridge. Our area of interest therefore covers areas included in municipalities under the name of Heidelberg at that time in our history. Since the demise of the City of Heidelberg in the 1990s, our subsequent interest is in the areas covered by the City of Banyule.

Eaglemont

During a Heidelberg Historical Society bus trip, we stopped at one of the private parks within the Burley Griffin housing estate, designed by Walter Burley Griffin in 1915.

Ivanhoe

St James Anglican Church (1908) and church hall (1914), Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe, viewed in 2011.

Yarra River

2007 Heidelberg Festival at historic Sill's Bend, by the Yarra River in Heidelberg. This beautiful part of Heidelberg parklands was named after small farmer Mark Sill who used it for orchards in the 19th century. A few remnant fruit trees can be seen in the photograph.

West Heidelberg

During the 1956 Olympic Games, in Melbourne, athletes stayed at a specially constructed Olympic Village in West Heidelberg. Houses were later used by the Victorian Housing Commission.

Banyule

View of Banyule house from Banyule Flats, 2004. Built by Joseph Hawdon in 1846, Banyule House is one of the most important but least valued colonial properties in Melbourne. It is currently under threat from more inappropriate adjacent buildings.

Heidelberg

The stables behind the doctor's surgery, corner of Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, on Monday 29th March, 2004, the day of its demolition. The surgery, which dates back to 1901, was renovated and is now - a medical surgery again.

Viewbank

Only the silos remain as evidence of one of the Heidelberg district's best known properties, Viewbank Farm. Run as a dairy farm by the Bartram Family. The house, demolished in the early 20th century, has been intensively excavated in recent years.

Darebin

The Chisolm family in front of Mrs Pitman's home, No.1 Latham Street, Darebin, in the 1930s. Left to right: Mr Hector Chisolm, Mrs Thelma Chisolm, Mrs I Pitman, Angus Miller, brother of Mrs Chisolm (in front).

Alphington

Quarry at Alphington, viewed from a high spot, according to photographer Christopher Bailey, "probably looking south towards the crusher plant and boiler house". The Quarry was adjacent to Darebin Creek. A lot of work has been done more recently to repair damage done to the Darebin Creek valley. For many years Alphington was a part of the Heidelberg Shire and later the City of Heidelberg.

Macleod

"Moorawatha", 3 Wilmot Street, Macleod was buit in 1908. Annie and William N Kirk lived there from 1908 until at least William's death in 1933. This heritage house is described as "contemporary Queen Anne" style.
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Rosanna

In the 1920s, the Rosanna area was largely farmland. Typically, horses were used for farmwork.
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Greensborough

Greensborough Railway Station opened in 1902, when the railway was extended from Heidelberg to Eltham. Railways preceded intensive housing and this one is clearly in rural surroundings.
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