Coleraine Historical Society
Coleraine has a rich and diverse history, from as far back as the 1830’s when the first settlers started to arrive. Their stories are filled with grit, determination and a will to survive in an unknown land. All of this can be found at the Old Court House, which is the site of the Coleraine Historical Society and museum and where the history of the area is preserved for generations to come to learn and share.
”You make it we keep it!”
Our History
The Coleraine Historical Society was formed on April 26th 1956. Public interest had gained momentum and with support of the then Wannon Shire, a local society was formed with meetings held in what was then known as the Temperance Hall. At that time the society did not have a permanent home so meetings were held wherever possible, in the Mechanics Institute, the Parish Hall or the Temperance Hall. The society was (and still is) affiliated to the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. There were 12 founding members, with T.J. Fitzgerald as president. A subscription of 12 shillings for adults and 2 shillings for children enabled them to be financial members.
The first year saw much success, with numerous presentations by locals on the history of the first hundred years of settlement. Sadly, in 1963 the society went into recess as membership and interest had dropped off significantly, rendering continued functioning unsustainable. However, in 1968 there was a resurgence of interest in local history and memorabilia, so the society was reformed with meetings held at the R.S.L. rooms.
In 1972, through the hard work of campaigners Mardi Stiglich and Elsie Coe, the society acquired the (by then redundant) Old Court House. This is now the permanent home of the Coleraine Historical Society and a tribute to local history itself.
How to become involved
We meet weekly at the Old Court House on Tuesday mornings and we welcome all who are interested in learning about and preserving our local history to join us.
Contact
We can be reached by email at colerainehistorical@gmail.com
