WELCOME TO EAST GIPPSLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Founded in 1964 the East Gippsland Historical Society has been operating at it's Museum at it's Macarthur Street premises since 1972. The Society aims to display and preserve local artefacts pertinent to Bairnsdale and surrounding districts, and endeavours to provide a community resource for local history.
The Society is run totally by volunteers. We rely on funds from membership fees, fundraising projects, sales of books and calendars, donations and grants. This assists in maintaining and developing the resource centre and museum. The resources that have been collected are quite comprehensive, with over 80,000 photographs, information about many prominent local families, East Gippsland newspapers on microfilm, an extensive library of local history books, a collection of historical maps, and an archive of many records from local institutions.
There are also a number of members who have had long term connections to the history of the district and are able to provide an excellent recall about people, places and events that have occurred. The main aims and objectives of the East Gippsland Historical Society Inc are the preservation of the unique history of Bairnsdale and surrounding areas. The items on display and the contents of the research archives are preserved for the use and enjoyment of the community.
East Gippsland Historical Society is affiliated with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria Inc, Heritage Network East Gippsland and Museums Australia.
EAST GIPPSLAND'S LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM AND RESOURCE CENTRE
Society Activities
Our museum is open:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10.00am to 3.00pm
and also the first Sunday of each month.
$5.00 Adults
$4.00 Pensioners/Students
$2.00 Children (5-12yrs)
Schools and Large groups by arrangement.
We are happy to open on other days by appointment. Please call us to make a time!
Bairnsdale Cemetery Walks
Local historians will lead a walk through the historic sections of the Bairnsdale Cemetery, visiting graves that provide a fascinating glimpse into some of East Gippsland's early residents. The walk will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, contact the museum to secure your place.
A tour booklet is provided to all participants, with short histories and stories of the graves presented on the tour.
Next Cemetery Tour Dates:
Sunday 8th of February 2026 at 5.00pm.
