For more than sixty five years, the Bendigo Historical Society has been dedicated to honouring the stories of our region. With the continued support of volunteers, members and the wider community, we look forward to preserving and sharing our history for generations to come.
The Bendigo Historical Society Inc. encourages and facilitates the study of Bendigo’s history and district. We actively acquire, research, preserve, conserve, interpret, and exhibit materials that bring this history to life.
Founded in 1958, the Society grew from a shared belief that Bendigo’s early stories,from its gold-mining origins to its vibrant cultural evolution, deserve preservation for future generations.
Today, more than 24 dedicated volunteers and a committee of ten continue this work, bringing passion, skill and community spirit to everything we do.
Over the decades, we have built a collection that includes thousands of objects, documents, photographs and personal stories. Recent significant acquisitions include the Allan Doney Collection and the Northern District School of Nursing Collection, both generously gifted to the Society and now carefully preserved as important parts of our region’s heritage.
The Bendigo Historical Society acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work and share stories We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations people who continue to care for Country across Central Victoria.
We recognise that the places, landscapes and waterways of Bendigo hold deep cultural significance and carry stories far older than colonisation. Stories that have been told, shared and passed down for countless generations. As an organisation dedicated to preserving and interpreting history, we honour the enduring presence, knowledge and custodianship of the Dja Dja Wurrung, whose connection to this land remains strong and unbroken.
We acknowledge that the work of storytelling and historical preservation has always been part of Aboriginal culture. We commit ourselves to respecting these traditions, listening with openness and sharing histories in ways that recognise truth, amplify diverse voices and contribute to reconciliation within our community.
Every project is designed to open the doors to Bendigo’s past and help the wider community connect with its shared history.
We care for a large and diverse collection of objects, documents, photographs and records that reflect Bendigo’s rich history. Our volunteers catalogue, store and maintain items to museum standards to ensure they remain preserved for future generations.
The Society digitises and documents collection items so they can be safely preserved and easily accessed. Many of these records are made available online through Victorian Collections, helping the community explore Bendigo’s history from anywhere.
We actively advocate for the protection and recognition of Bendigo’s heritage places and stories. By working with the community and local partners, we help safeguard historic sites and cultural memory across the region.
We support researchers, students, writers and family historians by providing guided access to our collections. Whether you’re searching for an historic photo or uncovering a family story, our team is here to help.
The Society share much of our material online through Victorian Collections, giving the public the ability to search and explore items remotely
We have a wide selection of both new and second-hand books available for purchase, catering to various interests and genres, ensuring that every reader can find something they will love.
We create exhibitions that highlight significant stories, themes and moments from Bendigo’s past. These displays bring history to life through objects, images and community contributions.
The Society invites special guests, members and volunteers to share their knowledge through engaging talks and presentations, offering deeper insights into Bendigo’s people, places and events.
We lead monthly walking tours and offer custom-designed tours for visitors, providing immersive storytelling experiences that explore Bendigo’s heritage, architecture and unique past.
We proudly serve the people of Bendigo and Central Victoria, as well as visitors, researchers, schools, families and anyone curious about the stories that shaped this region.
Our goal is to make history accessible through exhibitions, tours, digital resources and hands-on experiences.
Our work is guided by values that reflect who we are and what we stand for:
Community History belongs to everyone
Preservation Caring for objects, stories and memories
Education Encouraging learning and discovery
Stewardship Acting responsibly with the materials entrusted to us
Connection Bringing people together through shared heritage
As a volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity and involvement of our community.
Our work is supported through:
Donations
Grants
Memberships
Sponsorship
Book Sales
Every contribution, large or small, helps us protect Bendigo’s history and share it more widely.
There are many ways to support the Bendigo Historical Society:
Become a member
Volunteer your time
Make a donation
Sponsor a project or exhibition
Attend our events and tours
Explore our publications
Your involvement ensures that Bendigo’s past continues to be preserved, celebrated and understood.
A dedicated volunteer committee guides the Bendigo Historical Society, ensuring strong leadership, transparent decision-making and responsible stewardship of our heritage collections and community resources.
A committee of ten elected members governs the Bendigo Historical Society, including:
President
Vice President (currently vacant)
Secretary
Treasurer
Five Committee Members
Members elect committee members annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Together, the committee oversees the Society’s strategic direction, financial management, collection care, public programs and community engagement.
The committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 4pm.
The Society holds its AGM each September and welcomes both members and the public. Society members hold full voting rights and actively contribute to decisions about governance, committee appointments and the organisation’s direction for the year ahead.
The Bendigo Historical Society operates under a formal Constitution based on the Consumer Affairs Victoria Model Rules. The Constitution clearly defines our purpose, governance responsibilities, membership structure and decision-making processes.
You can request a copy of the Constitution by contacting us.
The Bendigo Historical Society holds registration as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). This registration demonstrates our commitment to transparency, good governance and the responsible stewardship of community resources.
As a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation, we use our charity status to ensure that donations, grants and community support directly support the preservation, protection and sharing of Bendigo’s rich heritage for future generations.
