Open 10:00–3:00, or by appointment
Our Collection
The Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection is a reference and research collection and is available for onsite use only. It includes photos, documents, memorabilia, advertisements, maps and ephemera relating to the history of Surrey Hills and Mont Albert. It also contains a small collection of artefacts and a small reference library.
In the 1970s a number of concerned individuals, aware of the loss of many heritage buildings, started to actively collect local history. Calling themselves the ‘History Nook’ they were part of the move to create a local community meeting place which became the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre (SHNC). The collection owes much to the efforts of individuals, including Jocelyn and Ken Hall, Alan Holt, John Reaburn, Jean Boucher and Daphne Wisewold, and to the generosity of many in the community who have donated photos and other information to it. The SHNC has housed the collection and supported its growth.
There are over 5000 photos in the collection including many of early residents, homes, sporting teams, shopkeepers and local primary school grades. The collection is not static; some of the photos are relatively recent and document for the future some of the many changes in the built environment of our suburb over recent decades.
Scanning photographs and other key material began in 2007 and continues as part of the ongoing focus of cataloguing the collection and making it accessible online through the website of Victorian Collections. Victorian Collections is backed by Museums Australia (Victoria) and Melbourne Museum and is used by hundreds of heritage organisations around the state. Members of the public don’t need an account to use Victorian Collections. It’s open to everyone. It can be accessed from the button below.
In 2022 ownership and management of the collection was formally transferred to the Surrey Hills Historical Society.
Collection policy:
The SHHS Collection is managed according to a formal collection policy. This defines how and what we collect and the principles which guide how we manage the collection and access to it. View Policy.
Donating to the collection:
We welcome new additions to the collection, subject to limitations defined in the collection policy. To download an expression of interest, download the donation form here.
Access to the collection:
In person – on Mondays between 10am-3pm and other times by appointment. Email: shhistory3127@gmail.com.
Volunteering:
Sue Barnett is the Archivist of the Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection. Sue is assisted by a small group of dedicated volunteers. New volunteers are very welcome. Learn More.
Collection policy:
The SHHS Collection is managed according to a formal collection policy. This defines how and what we collect and the principles which guide how we manage the collection and access to it. View Policy.
Donating to the collection:
We welcome new additions to the collection, subject to limitations defined in the collection policy. To download an expression of interest, download the donation form here.
Access to the collection:
In person – on Mondays between 10am-3pm and other times by appointment.
Email: shhistory3127@gmail.com.
Volunteering:
Sue Barnett is the Archivist of the Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection. Sue is assisted by a small group of dedicated volunteers. New volunteers are very welcome. Learn More.
Some Collection Examples
Research Assistance:
We undertake simple queries without charge, however if your query is more complex, our volunteers can search the collection and online resources for you on a fee-for service basis.
The cost of these enquiries is calculated at $25 per hour or part thereof for research. Research can be emailed or posted to you. There may be additional costs for printing and postage.
Alternatively, you can join us on a Monday and we can assist you to access the collection.
Our researchers are volunteers, and all research fees received are used for ongoing care and development of the collection.
