Harrietville Historical Society Inc.

Harrietville Historical Society Inc. HHS serves to collect and preserve documentary, photographic and genealogical records relating to the history of Harrietville and early years of Mt Hotham

Fifty years ago during the early 1960s a group of far-sighted Harrietville women spread the word in our community that they were going to start gathering what they could of our unique and fascinating local history. They called for anyone who had photographs, documents, maps, paper clippings or anything else relevant to the history of Harrietville or the mountains beyond, to donate them to the caus

e. At a time when hardly anybody around here saw any value in things historical and written off by many as a complete waste of time, this was indeed an inspired thing to do. But the stuff came rolling in, heaps and heaps of it, from bottom drawers and tattered photograph albums throughout the district, so much so that the women were overwhelmed. Faced with a mountain of material, they had some huge, leather-bound books made up and simply pasted the stuff onto the pages, quite randomly, as it came in. More items followed. The Harrietville Historical Society (HHS) was born. It became incorporated in 2003 and currently has a membership of 64 people. Their efforts can mostly be seen in Pioneer Park by the banks of the Ovens river opposite Tavare Park (over school bridge). It features a log wagon, water wheel and pioneer monument along with many commemorative stones and plaques. The most recent addition is a new drinking water station, incorporating metal sculptures of early gold prospectors, created by a local resident and talented artist Tom Bradbury. In _ _ _ _ the current Barkers Cottage Museum was opened. Then in _ _ _ _ the Gold Shed opened completing the new complex with larger relics on show within the grounds. The two front rooms of the museum were formerly a miner's cottage that was donated to the Historical Society by the Barker family, hence the name. These rooms have been furnished in period style. An extension was built onto the rear of this cottage to house a wonderful display of photo's and other items highlighting Harrietville's colourful history. Many other photo's, documents, etc. are held on file. The Gold shed is a stand alone building showcasing the area's rich gold mining history. Many unique and interesting items are on display. The gold shed also has a large database of photo's, maps, reports, etc. which are held on computer.

21/03/2026
2026 Australia Day was most successful. About 60 people - locals and visitors beat the heat in the shade of trees and ma...
26/01/2026

2026 Australia Day was most successful. About 60 people - locals and visitors beat the heat in the shade of trees and marquees enjoying the program and delicious Timber & Sage morning tea.
The Bille Texler Orator was Ann Wearne who told the fascinating story of her families’, Wraiths and Gows, lives in Harrietville from 1850-1950. ‘Ordinary people doing and achieving extraordinary things!’ Ann and 6 of her 9 siblings came along to our ceremony.
Karl Texler presented Ann with her Orator’s medal.

Harrietville’s Australia Day ceremony is at Pioneer Park, Monday 10am.Affirmation ceremony, music, Bille Texler Orator -...
22/01/2026

Harrietville’s Australia Day ceremony is at Pioneer Park, Monday 10am.

Affirmation ceremony, music, Bille Texler Orator - Anne Wearne telling of the Wraith and Gow families’ history in Harrietville, round up of 2025 Harrietville events, wreath laying and delicious morning tea by Timber& Sage.

All welcome!

Mark this in your diaries - don’t miss out!!
02/01/2026

Mark this in your diaries - don’t miss out!!

Just in case you missed the Re-Opening, or this article in the Alp Obs - read on for the story of the sad closing, then ...
25/12/2025

Just in case you missed the Re-Opening, or this article in the Alp Obs - read on for the story of the sad closing, then finally Re-Opening of Harrietville’s wonderful asset - the Gold Shed Museum.

07/12/2025
Dont forget! Saturday, Dec 6th @ 1 pm is your chance to see this widely acclaimed ‘Harrietville Gem’ Re-Opened!!FREE ref...
04/12/2025

Dont forget!
Saturday, Dec 6th @ 1 pm is your chance to see this widely acclaimed ‘Harrietville Gem’ Re-Opened!!
FREE refreshments 🥂🍻☕️🧀🎂
All welcome!

Finally, after 2 years . . . Our wonderful Gold Shed has been renovated to receive the correct Permit (9B) to allow visi...
24/11/2025

Finally, after 2 years . . . Our wonderful Gold Shed has been renovated to receive the correct Permit (9B) to allow visitation again !
Come and help us celebrate!
AGM at Noon, Re-Opening of Gold Shed 1-3pm

10/08/2025

Don’t forget - Wednesday 6pm in our Museum!!
Ronice Goebel’s ‘Geocaching’ presentation - With Wine and Cheese!!
Members free, non members $5

Harrietville Historical Society hosted Steohen Whiteside’s latest Book Launch Recently with a Wine and Cheese night. Th...
29/07/2025

Harrietville Historical Society hosted Steohen Whiteside’s latest Book Launch Recently with a Wine and Cheese night. The book is Pearl Bradshaw, Princess of Hotham and tells of the interesting, at times, arduous life of our early pioneer women.
Hold the date of August 13th for Ronice Gorbel’s Geo Caching presentation!!

Address

217 Great Alpine Road
Harrietville, VIC
3741

Opening Hours

Saturday 12pm - 3pm
Sunday 12pm - 3pm

Telephone

+61418462869

Website

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