The Bendigo Historical Society is dedicated to protecting, interpreting and celebrating the stories that have shaped our region. Through careful preservation, engaging public programs, and research support we help the community connect with Bendigo’s rich heritage.
Our team catalogues, digitises and preserves items ensuring Bendigo’s stories are protected for generations.
Our public programs bring Bendigo’s history to life through engaging, accessible experiences.
We provide a research service and guided access to our onsite collection to help you explore Bendigo's rich Heritage.
Our volunteers care for a diverse and growing collection that reflects the many layers of Bendigo’s past. This includes significant holdings in gold mining history, the Allan Doney Collection, and the Northern District School of Nursing Collection, as well as thousands of photographs, documents, and objects from across Central Victoria.
To ensure long-term preservation and public access, we are continually digitising and cataloguing items. Much of our collection can be explored online through Victorian Collections, allowing the community to discover Bendigo’s history from anywhere.
Behind the scenes, volunteers are involved in rehousing, condition checking, and conservation planning to safeguard fragile materials. We also advocate for the protection of Bendigo’s heritage places and stories throughout the region.
We present one or two exhibitions each year at our museum in History House, showcasing themes, stories, and collections that highlight the depth of Bendigo’s history. These exhibitions bring objects, images, and personal stories together in meaningful ways.
We host free quarterly history talks by special guests, friends of the Society and our volunteers. These are held at the LaTrobe Art Institute in View Street, Bendigo. See our Events Page – – UPDATE LINK for more information.
Our monthly walking tours take visitors through Bendigo’s historic streetscapes and surrounding areas. We explore a variety of architecture, landmarks and stories that shaped the city. These tours are a community favourite and book out regularly.
Throughout the year may we hold special events and tours during History Month (October), the Australian Heritage Festival (April-May) or inconjuction with other festivals and commemorations in and around Bendigo.
Members are first to know aboutour special events via our monthly newsletter.
Tailored tours can be arranged by pre-booking, offering personalised experiences for groups, visitors, and organisations.
We support researchers, writers, historians, and community members who are seeking information from our collections. A Research Request Form (including fees and submission instructions) is available for download, helping us ensure each enquiry receives the time and expertise it needs.
Many items in our collection can be searched and viewed online through Victorian Collections, providing convenient access to materials for research and personal interest. If you would like further information about items viewed online, please submit the Research Request form linked above.
Through our exhibitions, talks, and access to our collections, we provide pathways for deeper understanding of Bendigo’s past, supporting community learning in meaningful and engaging ways.
