Bellarine Historical Society

Bellarine Historical Society Founded in 1976, the Bellarine Historical Society operates from the Court House Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale, Victoria.

The Society aims to display and preserve artefacts that are pertinent to the Bellarine Peninsula. Founded in 1976, the Bellarine Historical Society operates from the Court House Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale, Victoria. Bellarine Historical Society hold an extensive library of local history books, a collection of historical maps, and an archive of many records. The focus is mainly on the farming

and agricultural history of the Bellarine region. The resources that have been collected are quite comprehensive, with over 4000 photographs, information about many prominent local families. The Society is run totally by volunteers. We rely on funds from membership fees, fundraising projects, sales of books and donations and grants. This assists in maintaining and developing the resource centre and museum.

Museum re-opening on 13th September, 10.30am -12.30 pm. Photos of the new Farming display pictured, are one of the many...
01/09/2026

Museum re-opening on 13th September, 10.30am -12.30 pm. Photos of the new Farming display pictured, are one of the many historical collections, for you to check out along with maps, photos and memorabilia from the Bellarine. Source: Bellarine Historical Society.

We have a fascinating presentation coming up. It features Charles Grimes who was instrumental in completing a survey of ...
26/08/2026

We have a fascinating presentation coming up. It features Charles Grimes who was instrumental in completing a survey of Port Phillip. Many historians are interested in his achievement because it is felt by many that Grimes and his party did not receive proper acknowledgment for the significance of their findings. Harry Roberts will present insights into who Charles was; when and where he explored Port Phillip; who accompanied him and why Grimes' opinions were so important.

Portarlington - The streets were named after many of early pioneers of the area.Source: Bellarine Historical society.
22/08/2026

Portarlington - The streets were named after many of early pioneers of the area.
Source: Bellarine Historical society.

Reminder to book tickets for "Fly On The Wall" event. Sunday 23rd August,2026.
15/08/2026

Reminder to book tickets for "Fly On The Wall" event. Sunday 23rd August,2026.

FROM SIMPLE PRAYER GROUP TO A LASTING SPIRITUAL HOME Tuckfield Chapel was the first Wesleyan Methodist place of worship ...
11/08/2026

FROM SIMPLE PRAYER GROUP TO A LASTING SPIRITUAL HOME
Tuckfield Chapel was the first Wesleyan Methodist place of worship in Drysdale. It was named after Geelong minister Reverend Francis Tuckfield. The first religious service on the Bellarine Peninsula was conducted by Rev. Tuckfield at Coriyule. In 1849 open-air services were held under a tree in Drysdale Park before foundation work began on the original chapel. Completion of the brick Tuckfield Chapel was completed in 1850. As the local congregation grew a new Drysdale Methodist Church was later built in 1887-1888. It was designed by A.J. Derrick and later transitioned into the iconic Drysdale Uniting Church on High St, Drysdale. It was distinctive for its Gothic polychrome brick construction and picturesque pinnacles surmounting the gable and is now classified C by the National Trust.
Source: https://www.onthebellarine.org.au/drysdale-uniting-church

Fantastic to get these personal insights. It helps everyone get a better understanding of life in the past. 🤗
06/08/2026

Fantastic to get these personal insights. It helps everyone get a better understanding of life in the past. 🤗

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO A THRIVING SCHOOL COMMUNITY Founded in 1875, Drysdale Primary School is one of the oldest in V...
06/08/2026

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO A THRIVING SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Founded in 1875, Drysdale Primary School is one of the oldest in Victoria. The heritage-listed 1875 building was designed by Education Department architect Henry Robert Bastow. The brick building is an example of a purpose built small rural school, constructed soon after the Education Act of 1872 made the State responsible for compulsory education of all children. It cost £1,140 and was built to accommodate 350 children.
The original building remains at the centre of the current school site in Drysdale, symbolising its 150-year heritage. It has been thoughtfully repurposed as a performing arts room, meeting room and school canteen, connecting past and present in a unique way.

Source: https://drysdaleps.vic.edu.au/our-history

04/08/2026
Drawings of items in the Drysdale Courthouse Museum created by the Portarlington Arts Group - on display at Drysdale Li...
29/07/2026

Drawings of items in the Drysdale Courthouse Museum created by the Portarlington Arts Group - on display at Drysdale Library until Saturday.

Address

11 High Street
Drysdale, VIC
3222

Opening Hours

10:30am - 12:30pm

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