Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
The aim of the Bendigo Historical Society Inc. is to encourage and facilitate the study of the history of Bendigo and district.
The Society acquires, researches, preserves, conserves, interprets and exhibits material which illustrates this history.
The Bendigo Historical Society Inc. is a voluntary non-profit Incorporated Association that began in November 1958.
The BHS owns a heritage collection of more than 45,000 items that is currently stored at the Bendigo Regional Archive Centre in Nolan Street, Bendigo.
The Society is run by volunteers who are responsible for managing and preserving the collection for future generations. Governance is by an elected committee.

Services We Offer
Our Collection
The Society holds a culturally and historically significant collection of books, documents, photographs, artworks, textiles and objects. Many of the photographs and documents are irreplaceable.
Access to the Collection storage facility in Nolan Street is by appointment to make donations of items to the collection and for assistance with research requests.
The volunteers at Nolan Street are progressively cataloguing the collection and entering the data onto Collections Management and Archiving Software.
Research Service
We have a Research officer based at Nolan Street who answers research queries.
There is an initial charge of $10.00 for research services.
Bendigo Historical Society
BSB: 633-000
Account number: 117 815 951
Email our research officer with enquiries: research@bendigohistory.com
Please complete the Research request form
Email or post to PO Box 2309, Mail Centre Bendigo 3554
Our Collection
Where To Find Us
Nolan Street Collection Storage Facility
Bendigo Regional Archive Centre
84 – 86 Nolan St Bendigo 3550
PO Box 2309, Mail Centre Bendigo 3554
Phone:
03 5442 1005
Enquiries:
admin@bendigohistory.com
Opening Hours:
Closed until 2021 when Restrictions allow volunteers to return.
Specimen Cottage Front of House
CURRENTLY UNOCCUPIED BECAUSE OF NEARBY DEMOLITION.
ESTIMATED REOCCUPATION IN 2023
BHS may still be contacted by email
Email:
admin@bendigohistory.com
Our Stories
News
Vincent Kelly and the people of Bendigo at State Library Victoria
Vincent Kelly and the people of Bendigo video https://youtu.be/nHxsxU8Kc2M In 2016 the State Library Victoria received a large donation of glass plate negatives from the studio
Volunteers wanted
Specimen Cottage Interpretation Project We are asking for volunteers who feel they could contribute as a team member to develop one or more of the
BHS TRIVIA NIGHT Wednesday November 13 7.00 pm – 10.00 pm South Bendigo Bowls Club Palmerston St Bendigo BYO Nibbles. Light Supper. Tea and coffee
HISTORY WALKS 2019
The BHS will be conducting history walks on the first Sunday of August, September, November and December at 10.00 am. Cost: $5.00 pp. The first
From our Collection
Clock presented to Mr P Cooper
Black wooden mantle clock with pendulum bob made in the U.S.A by the Sessions Clock Company. Mounted on ornate metal feet and decorated with four
Clock presented to Gertrude Perry
Mantle Clock. 1940s 8-day time & strike clock. Veneered case with chrome bezel, silvered hands and numeral and a Cathedral gong. Chimes once on half
Eye shade
Flesh coloured celluloid eye shade in its original box. “Improved Ventilated Eye Shades. Celluloid. Mace & Haldane. London. No 6694. Right Eye.
Eye Shade
Flesh coloured celluloid eye shade in its original box. Label “Improved ventilated eye shades No. 6694. Right Eye. Made in England.”
Stories from our Past
James and Hannah Brierley
James and Hannah Brierley left Manchester as assisted migrants, in 1844 and arrived in Sydney on the Elizabeth three and a half months later with
Specimen Cottage – 178 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo
Specimen Cottage is architecturally significant as the oldest original house in Bendigo, built by stonemason James Brierley. The 1856 section of the building has a