(Updated February 11th 2024) Australia Day was a huge success, not just for us, but for the whole town. Our theme for 2024 wasWhat Broadford's Lost. It included places and events that no longer exist like the Broadford Tannery, Broadford Wool Scours, Stray's Blacksmith, The Broadford Gift, Broadford Show, March Hare Fair. There was a lot to see. We were open from about 10.00 am til about 2.00 pm. There was no admittance fee and there were sights and activities all around, both our precinct, and the Island Reserve. It's THE BIGGEST ANNUAL EVENT IN BROADFORD, so make sure you get there next year if you missed this one..
And, have you visited our very popular Facebook site at Broadford Historical.vic yet? Since starting this site in September 2021, as a place to celebrate History Month, we have had over 1600 people request membership of this group. Many of these visitors have shared photos and stories of growing up in Broadford over the past 50 or 60 years. Why not take a look? Just open up Facebook and search for Broadford Historical.vic (or click on this link: www.facebook.com/groups/926768294723022 )
The Broadford and District Historical Society covers the districts of Broadford, Strath Creek, Reedy Creek, Tyaak, Sunday Creek, Glenaroua, Flowerdale, Glenburnie, Dry Creek, Sugarloaf Creek, Clonbinane and Tallarook.
The Society was formed in 1968 with the aim of fostering historical interests and knowledge of this district, but exclusively of this district. We protect local historic buildings and collect and preserve items and records of historic interest. We run a small museum and conduct genealogical research. We work in association with Heritage Victoria and we are affiliated with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. We also conduct fundraising activities for the fulfilment of these aims. The Broadford and District Historical Society Inc is an incorporated society (incorporation number A0020958G) with ABN 14 491 017 881.
Our museum, research centre and general office are located in the Alison Tomkins Reserve, at 110 High Street, Broadford.
Museum Hours Our collection is available to view with assistance from our volunteers. We encourage school tour groups, and we are open to the public every Wednesday between 10.30 am and 3.00 pm (excluding Christmas school holidays). We are happy to open at other times by arrangement – send an email or call us!
Research Department Hours 10.30 am to 3.00 pm every Wednesday (except Christmas school holidays)
Contact Us Broadford & District Historical Society Inc 120 High Street, Broadford. Victoria. 3658 Phone: 0407225089 (John) or 0415246575 (Margie) Email: [email protected]
Our Collection The Museum has buildings, objects, documents and memorabilia of local and national significance.
Membership Membership of the Society is available at $20 for individuals and $25 for families, and is payable 12 months after your most recent membership payment. We will send a reminder by email, if you have an account. A subscription to the newsletter only is available for $15. There are four newsletters each year.
New members are welcome to join the Society and get involved in one of our many ongoing projects. Just come in and see us to obtain a membership form, or contact us by mail or email.
You can also download a copy of our Membership Application form at the bottom of this page, to post or bring into the Schoolhouse on a Wednesday between 10.00 am and .3.00 pm
Donations of time, money or items of historical interest are always gratefully accepted.
Volunteers Our volunteer workers meet on Wednesdays throughout the year to:
develop a resource library for our members
record and preserve historic buildings, objects, documents and memorabilia
publicise our resources, activities and events
educate the public, including school groups
enjoy each others’ company!
Early Broadford Broadford is a small rural town 74 km north of Melbourne with a population of approximately 3000 people. Before white settlement the Thagungwurung aborigines inhabited the district, and Hume and Hovell made camp nearby in December 1824 while seeking an overland stock route south from NSW to Westernport for the NSW government.
The town itself began to grow in the 1850s as a staging point on the old Sydney road. It developed as a timber town and as the centre for grazing and agricultural activities.
Due to the ready availability of timber, all of the oldest buildings were of timber construction and many of these have since been demolished or destroyed by fire.
How to find us Use this Google map to find how to get to Broadford. Once in Broadford just drive along High Street – the Historic Precinct and Museum are distinctive and difficult to miss! We’re right opposite the post office too, if that helps.
** CLICK ON OUR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM DOWNLOAD BELOW, TO OBTAIN YOUR COPY. **