“Dedicated to local history,” that’s History Monash Inc. Let’s step into the world of Oakleigh’s past right here at the Monash Federation Centre.
History Monash Inc. began as the Oakleigh & District Historical Society in 1961. Volunteers work tirelessly. They study, collect, preserve, exhibit, and publish local history. Their focus is on the City of Monash. They especially cover Oakleigh and its surrounding districts. Think Hughesdale, Huntingdale and Clayton.
Our location, the Monash Federation Centre, has its own story. It was Oakleigh’s post office. That was back in 1924. History Monash also supports the nearby Oakleigh Pioneer Memorial Park Cemetery. It holds heritage listing and operated from 1860-1960.
Inside the centre, History Monash offers much to discover. You will find changing exhibitions that bring history to life. The archive offers insights into the past. Reference collections provide deeper knowledge. Publications, brochures, and postcards are available. A research service stands ready to assist you.
History Monash Inc. maintains connections to other historical bodies. It is affiliated with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria Inc. It also belongs to the Southern Metro History Group. The group fosters the study, preservation, and publishing of Oakleigh’s history. They collect records and relics. They also catalogue, file, and index these items. This helps further historical understanding.
Since 1961, History Monash Inc. has been building a local history collection. The collection relates to districts within the City of Monash.
The archive holds many treasures. There are photographs capturing moments in time. Cemetery records document lives. Some civic, club, and school records offer community insights. Newspapers report on past events. There are also manuscripts, maps, ephemera, and artefacts to explore. Family histories and reference works complete the collection.
You can view the collection by appointment. This is during the Monash Federation Centre’s opening hours. These hours are Tuesdays between 10 am and 2 pm.
Please note that opening times can change. Check the History Monash website for updates. The team can be contacted via email.
History Monash offers information on local history. Some services require a fee. This covers research and copying costs. Rates are available upon application. Due to many inquiries, responses may be delayed.
If you are interested in the history of Mulgrave, Glen Waverley, and Mount Waverley, the Waverley Historical Society Inc. can assist.
History Monash is more than just an archive. It is a living testament to the past. The exhibitions and collections offer a window into the lives of those who came before us. The dedication of its volunteers ensures that these stories continue to be told. Take a moment to reflect on the rich history that surrounds us. The echoes of the past resonate within these walls.