The Chelsea and District Historical Society Inc

New Members Welcome

The Chelsea & District Historical Society welcomes new members. Friends and members are always welcome at any of our meetings and/or activities both social and of an historical interest, i.e. Visiting other Museums, Historical Homes, Sites etc. We also hold Social gatherings so that we can raise funds for our on – going expenses. These are in the form of Fashion Parades. Dinners, and B.B.Q’s not forgetting our Christmas Hamper Raffle

Members receive a monthly newsletter which is published and delivered prior to each society meeting. These newsletters keep members up to date with the developments being made by the society, up and coming activities and invites the members attendance to society meetings.

So give us a call or just pop down to the Museum, we have working bee’s every Thursday 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.. and we will make you very welcome; the kettle is always on the boil!!

Meetings are on the second Sunday of each Month.

The Chelsea and District Historical Society Inc. was formed on December 10th. 1963. Following a “Pioneer Night” at the Rotary Club of Chelsea during 1959. The name given was the City of Chelsea Historical Society.

Several documents and early Newspapers were placed in the care of the then Town Clerk, the late Mr. Hugh Hackwell. The inaugural meeting was called by the then Mayor, Cr. Bert Hummerstone, J.P. at the request of Rotarians Clarrie Inchley, Bill Dennington, and Frank McGuire. Frank McGuire was the Societies Historian from 1963 until he retired from office in 1996. Frank is of course a life member, and he still attends our Monthly meetings.

The Chelsea Historical Society Court House Museum is the corner stone of continued research, collection, preservation and dissemination of the history of the former City of Chelsea and adjoining districts. It is an enjoyable Museum for the local community and visitors with particular emphasis on the pictorial history of the area through varied displays.

We have a number of goals we have set ourselves to achieve:

1. To consult local organisations with a view to having relevant displays - 3 year plan.

2. To encourage local artists in exhibitions i.e.: timber, ceramics and crafts.

3. To catalogue complete collection.

4. To combine with other Historical Societies ( Kingston ) regarding historical walks and pamphlets.

5. To develop a pioneer walk outside the Court House.

6. To clean and restore framed photos and documents.

7. To index rate books, newspapers and to have all loose newspaper book bound.

8. To put all relevant information onto our computer.