General News
10 October, 2025
Preserving Avoca’s rich history
SINCE its opening on the 19th of May 1984, the Avoca and District Historical Society has been tracing local history and research. A small but dedicated group of volunteers work throughout the year to ensure Avoca’s history is available for future generations. Operating from the old Avoca Court House and Helen Harris room, visitors of the society can not only trace their family tree, but can also fall into a time portal of old newspapers, maps and artifacts dating back to the early 1800s.
“We’ve got lots of photos - we’ve got cemetery records, school records, births, deaths, marriage records,” said society treasurer Dorothy Robinson.
“Someone comes in with a name, and we have a look to see if they’ve got a current card.”
For committee member Elizabeth Williams, the love for history has grown since an early age.
“My aunt told me about my family when I was about 14. It was just interesting to see where they lived and what they did,” she said.
“See, most families too have someone who fought in the wars, so there are bits and pieces of war history, but most of it is to do with gold mining.”
“Sit down with your grandparents and get them talking - have a whole lot of questions you want to ask them; where they came from, what family is left, what did they do, who their grandparents were.”
While there are currently around 100 active members, the future of the association continues to be a concern amongst its aging committee - regularly being told their collection and knowledge is incredible but is at risk of disappearing without more volunteers.
The courthouse records and museum currently opens on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, opening their arms to keen helpers to collect and assist with research.
If you would like to get in touch contact adhsemail@gmail.com or visit their website at http://avocahistory.net.au.
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