Daylesford & District

Historical Society

Welcome to the home of the Daylesford
Museum.

The Daylesford and District Historical Society is proud to acknowledge we are located on Dja Dja Wurrung Country; we pay respects to their leaders and Elders past, present and emerging who continue their deep connection to this place.

 

We encourage you to engage and learn about the local Traditional Owners of this land as represented by the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corporation

Opening Hours
Saturday 11.00 am – 3.00 pm or by appointment

 100 Vincent St,
Daylesford VIC 3460
(3 doors down from the Post Office)
ENTRY FEE Adults $5, Children free
Get in touch

About The Museum

The Daylesford & District Historical Society was formed in 1964 and those early members established the Museum in 1971. The building was the former School of Mines and later Technical School and consists of 10 main rooms.

The Daylesford Museum holds a wonderful collection of artefacts, photographs and rich historical records related to the local community.

Our Museum is operated by the Historical Society, a not-for-profit and entirely volunteer based organisation.

 

Current Exhibitions

160th Anniversary Daylesford & District Hospital

Daylesford & District Historical Society  are delighted to be assisting with our support for the  implementation of the new masterplan for an improved and expanded health care facility. An exhibition of photos, memorabilia and history of the hospital from 1862.

Children’s Activity

A fun activity for our younger visitors, see if you can find the twenty houses and buildings that are secretly hidden throughout the museum.  Look up high, look down low!

Sylvia

In 1914 Daylesford and district communities sought to raise funds for the Belgium people so badly impacted by the war. A doll named Sylvia was displayed in Tyler’s drapery store, raffled at 6d a ticket and won by Mrs Hoath of Sailors Hill.

The doll was damaged during a robbery at the museum but now repaired and on fine display.

Our Collection

The museum holds a significant collection representative of our history, heritage and stories.

We care for a large assortment of documentary material including: photographs, newspapers, maps, plans, school records, war service records, burial and property information.

There is a significant family history collection of records available thanks to the  support of our volunteer research team.

Our artefact collection represent many aspects of our district including: local aboriginal artefacts, mining equipment, agricultural implements, costume and fabric items, domestic items, sawmilling equipment, blacksmith tools, pharmaceutical objects, Chinese artefacts, art and sculptural works .

What we do

Our volunteers are members of the Daylesford & District Historical Society which operates the museum. We collect, archive and exhibit items related to our community history and culture. We strive to make information and material available for research and insight into our community’s journey.

Research

The historical society offers a range of research opportunities to members and visitors. We have a research request form that will assist to define your inquiry and provide feedback and costs prior to proceeding online.

Image Sales

Our collection has a vast number of images related to people, place, organisations and events. The research request form is your link to detail the images you are seeking. We generate income from the sale of these images to assist the care of our collection.

Browse images
(nb: This is a sample selection of images)

 

Book Sales

We maintain good stock of book titles related to our local history. Books are available at the museum or delivered via Australia Post. Email your order and we will advise postage costs.

Browse books

 

Get Involved

What some of our volunteers are doing

Apart from sharing the usual housekeeping jobs around the museum our volunteers are encouraged to engage in areas of research, digitising, transcription and visitor interaction that best matches their interests. Working as a team we encourage each other and celebrate milestone achievements.

We are a happy team!

 

Address

100 Vincent Street
Daylesford 3460
Get Directions

Opening  Hours

Saturdays 11am - 3pm

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