The Walcha District Historical Society Inc.
The Walcha Historical Society is a not-for-profit organisation formed following a public meeting on the 6th April 1962 in that year, held in the Walcha Shire Offices. The Society is run by a dedicated group of volunteers whose aim is to preserve the history of not only Walcha itself, but also the surrounding districts.
The constitution of the Society requires it to record and preserve those artefacts of Historical interest relating to the town and district. Regular meetings are held to ensure the preservation of the buildings and exhibits under its care. Short trips and excursions are planned to educate and provide new ideas for our dedicated volunteers, and the presentation and preservation of our holdings at our two locations, the History Centre and the Pioneer Cottage Museum Complex.
The management of the Historical Society Museum and Pioneer Cottage is vested in our Committee, which is elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting. The AGM is conducted as soon as possible after 30 June each year.
The Walcha District Historical Society maintains a comprehensive History Centre in a room behind the Walcha Library at 42N Derby St, per kind favour of the Walcha Council. The History Centre houses extensive family records, histories, photographs, and a research library, covering Walcha’s history from the 1830s. The Centre is open during Library hours – Monday & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, from 8.30-5.00; or by arrangement with research volunteers. The fee for research is $25 an hour, plus extra for photos and photocopying.
The Pioneer Cottage and Museum Complex is located at 111N Derby Street, Walcha, opposite the Showground. There are 12 buildings on the site containing treasures from the past, from small household items to large farm machinery. There is ample parking and the grounds are level and easily accessible for all visitors. Visits by coach companies are welcome by arrangement.
The constitution the Society is affiliated with the Royal Australian Historical Society and the National Trust of Australia. The constitution also provides continuing preservation of the items entrusted to it, and in the unlikely event of the Society disbanding, the assets will revert to and become the property of the Walcha Council.
The Officers of the Society for 2018-2019 are:
President: Kate Hoy, P: 0448 331 323
Secretary: Jane Morrison P:0409 897 348
Treasurer: Kerry Dickson, P: 0488 779 133
The postal address is: PO Box 41, Walcha NSW 2354