Bendigo Historical Society

16/10/2026

History House at 11 Mackenzie Street has had a freshen-up. The repairs and repainting are finished and a new sign on the front fence makes us easier to find.
Take a closer look near the front gate too. Before it was History House, our building was Legacy House. To recognise this and commemorate 100 years of Bendigo Legacy a plaque has been installed. Pop by and take a look.

13/10/2026

Our next exhibition at History House opens in January 2027. It's about Hargreaves Street (the Mall) and some of Bendigo's lost retail arcades.
Committee Member Felicity Woodward is leading the team behind this exhibition. She is uncovering new information about the area with help from Bendigo people who know Hargreaves Street and its retail trade.
What do you remember about shopping in Hargreaves Street or the arcades?
Share a memory or a shop name in the comments.

09/10/2026

Our Walk into History runs on the first Sunday of every month. November's walk is The Fabulous Favs.
The Favaloro family - the ‘Fav.’s’ - were leaders in Bendigo’s catering and hospitality industries; as advertising proclaimed in the 1930s: ‘At Fav.’s you always get the best’.

📅 Sunday 1 November, 10–11.30am
📍 The Bendigo sign
Full walk details and bookings are on our Humanitix page.
See the link in our bio or profile page.

06/10/2026

Join us at the Star Cinema in Eaglehawk for our fundraiser film night.
📅 Thursday 29 October, 7–9pm
📍 Star Cinema, Eaglehawk
Our two film nights at the Star during 2025/26 were very successful. Thank you to the Star and to everyone who came along.
Book tickets on the Star Cinema website.
We look forward to seeing you on the night.

02/10/2026

Bendigo Historical Society held its Annual General Meeting on 18 September and appointed the committee for 2026/27.
A warm welcome to Bill Allen, our new Secretary. Some of you will know Bill from the Central Deborah Mine or as one of our tour guides at Victoria Hill. Euan McGillivray continues as President and Robert Black as Treasurer. David McKinlay joins the committee as a new member.
Thank you to Jill Qualtrough, Barb Poustie and Sheree Laursen, who did not renominate. Barb and Sheree continue in their current roles at BHS.
This year 942 people visited the History House Museum. The full Annual Report is on our website. Visit the 'About Us' page on the website to download and view the report.

29/09/2026

The Favaloro family - the ‘Fav.’s’ - were leaders in Bendigo’s catering and hospitality industries; as advertising proclaimed in the 1930s: ‘At Fav.’s you always get the best’.

Indeed, after the Governor-General of Australia Sir Isaac Isaacs had visited Langley Estate in June 1935 to inspect the Toddlers’ Home, ‘His Excellency was present at an official dinner party tendered by His Worship the Mayor at Favaloro’s Cafe, Bendigo.

Join us in November for this walking tour. Bookings essential.
Link to all details and tickets in our profile.

27/09/2026

Our October Walk into History is a guided walk with your eyes on the rooftops. Looking Up: the chimneys of Bendigo takes a closer look at the chimneys above the city's streets.
📅 Sunday 4 October, 10–11.30am
📍 Awaken Coffee, Bendigo
Daylight saving starts that morning, so set your clocks forward an hour before you head out.
Book on our Humanitix page: see the link in our profile

24/09/2026

Here's what's coming up with Bendigo Historical Society between now and December.
Sunday 4 October, 10–11.30am: Walk into History: Looking Up, the chimneys of Bendigo.
Thursday 29 October, 7–9pm: Fundraiser film night at the Star Cinema, Eaglehawk. (Bookings open October 1 at starcinema.org.au)
Sunday 1 November, 10–11.30am: Walk into History: The Fabulous Favs.
Sunday 6 December, 10–11.30am: Walk into History: Evolution of St Aidan's Orphanage.
📅 Details and bookings for all walks are on our Humanitix page.
https://events.humanitix.com/host/bendigo-historical-society-inc

21/09/2026

Family Historians from Bendigo and surrounding areas may be interested in the State Library of Victoria's collection of wills from Cohen, Kirby & Co Solicitors, Bendigo 1875-1952. If you're searching for information on females you may be particularly keen to take a look at the list of names in the finding aid provided by SLV -
https://findingaids.slv.vic.gov.au/ark:/49592/215573

State Library Victoria recently received a donation of 191 wills from the law firm of Cohen, Kirby and Co. Solicitors, Bendigo, spanning the period 1875-1952. 

24/05/2026

Our event schedule for July has changed. We are now presenting a free event on Friday 3 July 2026.
Everyone is welcome.
No bookings Required.

bendigohistory.com/free-event-july-2026/