• Title or Question

    Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.
  • Title or Question

    Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.
  • Title or Question

    Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

Research

USING OUR COLLECTIONS
Contact us

Are you researching local history? Maybe you would like to know about your house, a business, a sporting group or a family member who called our area home.


Research

We can assist with research on people, places, photos and much more.


Our researchers will have a quick look which will indicate what information is available in our archives. If no information is found there is no charge. If we find information, we will ask if you want to proceed and whether you have a cost limit and the time frame.


Once a researcher has contacted you with a cost and you agree to proceed, payment is required (via bank transfer) before any detailed research is undertaken.


The Williamstown Historical Society is run exclusively by volunteers and receives no government funding.

Research and Image Fees

Research is charged at $25* per hour  (* Member discount available)


This fee covers - sourcing information and images, photocopying, and phone calls. Digital copies of documents/images will be provided unless specifically requested in hard copy or items are unavailable in digital copy.


Bank transfer (direct debit) details:

BSB No: 633 000

Account: 1542 54015

Please include your full name or organisation and 'Research Payment'


We request that you acknowledge the source of any images supplied.


Please complete a research request form with as much detail as you have on the subject of your interest and one of our volunteers will contact you.


Research request form

Items in our collections

  • Reference books and a small library
  • Local newspapers
  • Memorabilia of local events and functions
  • Subject files covering a vast array of topics
  • Historical maps including the Vardy maps
  • Early street and house photographs
  • House data by street
  • Extensive photographic collection
  • Streets scenes and aerial photographs
  • Family History
  • Significant early settlers' files
  • Extensive collection of objects

Our collection

  • Family Histories

    Early Settlers and family history information. Our volunteers have compiled many family histories over the years and some others have been donated by families. Check our lists below to see if your family's history is one of them. Lists will be updated as more are received.


    Surnames List: A - L

    Surnames List:  M - Z



  • Subject Files

    Volunteers have collected information on various subjects related to the history of Williamstown. Other groups and organizations have donated additional information to us for safekeeping from days of old.


    Subject Files A - L

    Subject Files M - Z


  • Reference Library (coming soon)


Preserving the past for the future

Blogs

By Nicole Harris August 4, 2024
In 1867 Steedman published the ‘Manual of Swimming’, drawing on his extensive personal swimming experience to provide a practical manual. This comprehensive manual provided early descriptions of racing strokes, and training methods, and contributed significantly to the development of 'speed swimming', diving, water safety, and the health benefits of bathing.
By Maureen Gibb May 9, 2024
Her true legacy lies in the countless animals whose lives were saved or improved thanks to her tireless advocacy.
By Jennie Moloney April 8, 2024
Courtney's Post and Australia's First Victoria Cross recipient - Albert Jacka
More Posts

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