Museum of Lillydale
The Museum was closed at the begining of 2007 for re-developement and will not re-open until 2009 or 2010.

Opening Hours:
Museum closed.

Research Services. Historical Society members are available each Sat. & Sunday, 1.00 to 4.00pm at the Lilydale library. Ph. No. 9735-1661

Research facilities

The society have developed extensive archives on people, places and events of the district and welcomes any further contributions, particularly family histories.

These cover the townships in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges: Montrose, Kilsyth, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park, Lilydale, Coldstream, Yering, Gruyere, Seville, Wandin, Silvan, Mt Evelyn and Kalorama.

Other research services and facilities are:

* Extensive photographic collection

* Copies of the Lilydale Express newspaper from 1886 through to present day either on microfilm or bound copies.

* Reference library on local people, places and events.

* Copy of the Lilydale Cemetery Register.

* Access to former Shire of Lillydale rate records and minute books.

* Low cost research service.

* Photographs of Lilydale cemetery headstones from the 1860s to 1931

* Lilydale cemetery headstones on microfiche from 1864 to 1993

Public Programs

See our What's On Section

What's On

Heritage Tours

The Society can arrange walks and tours with experienced historical society tour guides on the following topics of local interest:

* Main Street, Lilydale Walk - A walk along Main Street, exploring the development of the township from the early days of settlement.

* Lilydale Cemetery Walks -A tour of the cemetery, exploring the lives of Lilydale's early pioneers and some famous Australians.

* Castella Street, Lilydale Walk - (area known as Church Hill) A walk along Lilydale's original civic centre, exploring the early history of the township through some of Lilydale's oldest remaining buildings and historical sites.

* Members are available to speak on Dame Nellie Melba and Lilydale history at your venue.

Outreach Programs

Society volunteers are also available for school and group talks.

These include:
A Story of the Lilydale District:

An illustrated presentation of the history of this district, from the early pioneers to the 1950s.

The talk is accompanied by historical photographs which illustrate the development of the district and there are plenty of opportunities for group participation and questions.

Theme Based Presentations:

Presentation can be made on a variety of local themes -
* Dame Nellie Melba: Australia's First Ambassador.

Photographic Service