The Geelong Historical Society
Fostering research that explores Geelong’s rich history.
The Geelong Historical Society was founded in 1944, and is dedicated to fostering and presenting historical research, and collaborating with exhibitions and public programs, to highlight the historical significance of Geelong and District.
For further information, please see our current Lecture Syllabus in Lectures.
Investigating our past to enrich our future
We hold monthly meetings
The Society holds eleven monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of the month, beginning in February.
Well researched lectures
Our monthly meeting includes a presentation lecture which relates to a well researched topic of historical significance.
Links the past and present
We engage with ideas that explore how Geelong’s history has shaped its past and continues to influence our shared future.
Join us here
We meet at 7.30pm at the Virginia Todd Community Centre, 9-15 Clarence Street, Geelong West.
Our Meetings are free
Members of the public are more than welcome to attend our meetings. They are free of charge to all attending.
Read our Magazine
The Society also publishes a quarterly magazine Investigator. Please see the Publications Page for more detail.
From our members
80 Years of Research and Publishing
Geelong in the 1860s
The following series of articles were compiled by Daryl Wight, beginning in 2022. They are short, pithy articles drawn from the pages of the Geelong Chronicle starting in 1862. These articles provide the reader with a glimpse into the everyday life of our town over 160 years ago. His series was originally published in the Geelong Independent and we will be republishing a selection of three each fortnight. These six articles are free for all users to read but subsequent articles will only be available from the Members’ Section. A good reason to become a member!
Articles exploring the Geelong of the 1860s
1863 and the Geelong Industrial Exhibition
Geelong celebrates Prince of Wales 1863
1863 Opera in Geelong
Prince Albert Bridge
Francis Jones: Barber
MR KREITMAYER’S MUSEUM OF ILLUSTRATIONS
The Investigator
We publish the Investigator magazine four times a year. It is distributed to financial members as part of their $35 annual subscription. Past issues can also be purchased for $10, per set of 4, for the years 1976-2021. You can read extracts from the magazine by clicking the links below or become a member to subscribe.
Articles from the Investigator
Our Commitment to our Members
Our Objectives
Holding Monthly Meetings with a Lecture or guest speaker
Holding Annual General Meetings and Quarterly Executive Committee Meetings
Publishing of the quarterly Investigator magazine
Excursions held in Spring and Autumn
Publishing Books and Pamphlets
Providing information on Geelong and District history
Commemorating historical sites with memorials or plaques
Collecting and preserving historical documents and artefacts
Assisting in the preservation of historical buildings and structures
We Acknowledge the Wadawurrung People, the Traditional Owners of the Land upon which we live.