The Kew Historical Society was founded in 1958, and is one of the oldest continuing historical societies in Melbourne. For over 60 years, the Society has worked with local government and other organisations within Kew to stimulate interest in our history and heritage.
The Society is affiliated with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria and the Australian Museums and Galleries Association. It co-operates with other historical societies and groups across the City of Boroondara through the Boroondara Historical Societies Association.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE
We regret to advise you that our Management Committee has decided that our rooms at the Kew Court House and the Kew Heritage Centre at the Kew Library will be closed to volunteers and visitors until further notice. Any changes to this situation will be announced on this website and in emails to members.
Judith Voce
President
MEETINGS AND LECTURES
JUNE MEETING
The Hentys and their houses
Robert Baker (KHS), Cathy Dodson (Ruyton GS), Rohan Brown (Trinity GS)
Members of the Henty family lived in Kew from the 1850s. Within Kew, they built or bought existing mansions including Findon, Field Place, Swinton, Roxeth and Tarring. Our archivist and two guest archivists will talk about notable members of the Henty family in Kew and describe their houses and legacy.
Wednesday 9 June, 7.30-9.30pm
EXHIBITIONS
Part of the new display at the Court House
OUTDOOR LEISURE ACTIVITIES: LAWN BOWLS, TENNIS & CROQUET
Items from the collections of the former Kew Bowling Club, Auburn Heights Recreation Club, and Kew Heights Sports Club. These collections, dating from 1880, were donated to the Society in early 2020 following the closure of the MCC Kew Sports Club. Comprising archives, trophies, pictures and memorabilia, this is the most important sporting collection in Kew. A number of items from these collections are displayed in the exhibition spaces. Download the event flyer for additional information.
Kew Court House Fridays & Saturdays 11am-1pm
Kew Library, during Library hours.
Online exhibitions
Three online exhibitions are now available for viewing on the website. You can access them via the Exhibitions page.
COLLECTION
Following a Significance Assessment funded by a Community Heritage Grant in 2018, a conservator from Grimwade Conservation Services has undertaken a detailed Preservation Needs Assessment of our collection during the first months of 2021. Both reports can be accessed from our Collections page. We have also applied for a new Community Heritage Grant to conduct digitisation and conservation activities of a number of items in the collection.