About Us

Activities

Society meetings are held on the first Saturday afternoon of each month except January. The general meeting starts at 1.00pm and usually includes a guest speaker.Meetings are now held at the Athenaeum Theatre,in Castella Street, next door to the Museum.

A four-page newsletter is published each quarter and sent to all members.The society also do research upon request and act as guides for cemetery tours and town walks.

A discount on society merchandise and books is also available.

Brief History

The Lilydale & District Historical Society was formed in 1971 to help plan and mount suitable displays for the Shire of Lillydale’s Centenary in February 1972.

After the celebrations, society members tried to return objects loaned for display but their owners said the society could keep them.

This was the start of the society’s collection but it lacked a suitable storage and display space. With the assistance of the Shire of Lillydale, in 1976 the society was able to open its own museum in the former shire offices in Castella Street, Lilydale.

The Museum was opened by Pamela, Lady Vestey, Dame Nellie Melba’s grand-daughter and society Patron.

The society operated the museum until 1989 when, due to the value of the collection and the need to plan a major re-development, the Shire of Lillydale took over the management of the museum and employed Victoria’s first full-time municipal curator.

Today, the Museum of Lillydale is owned by the Shire of Yarra Ranges but through the Board of Management, the society members are still involved in its management and future direction.

The members also provide extensive volunteer support for the museum’s public and education programs; carry out community and family research and provide support services.

Projects

Society members are working on various projects such as research, tours, talks and workign with the community to recognise the area's landmarks.

To learn more visit our What's New Section or read our newsletters

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