The Port Macquarie Historical Society Inc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection, preservation, research, and interpretation of the history and heritage of Port Macquarie and the surrounding Hastings region in New South Wales, Australia. Established in 1956, the Society plays a vital role in safeguarding the local cultural heritage and operates the Port Macquarie Historical Museum as its public face.

History and Mission

Founded in 1956, the Port Macquarie Historical Society was created to collect archival and museum materials relating to the history of Port Macquarie and its adjacent districts. The organization’s mission focuses on conserving and interpreting the region’s history while engaging its volunteer members in these pursuits. The Society restricts its collecting primarily to materials connected to the local area, though it occasionally accepts items of state or national significance[3][5].

Museum and Collections

The Port Macquarie Historical Museum, operated by the Society, is housed in a complex of buildings that includes a heritage-listed commercial and residential building dating back to circa 1836—a rare surviving example from the early period of British settlement. Port Macquarie was originally established in 1821 as a penal settlement for secondary offenders and was opened to free settlers in 1830[5].

The museum comprises 14 rooms and galleries spread over three buildings, presenting a broad narrative of the region’s history. Permanent and rotating displays include themes such as Port Macquarie’s beginnings, free settlement, local crafts and textiles, trades, industries, and agriculture. Part of the heritage building is also preserved as a house museum, offering visitors a glimpse into early colonial life[5].

The Society’s collection is significant at both regional and national levels, encompassing objects, artefacts, photographs, documents, ephemera, artworks, and archives. Notably, the collection includes family and personal papers, business records, and a large photographic archive, including negatives from the local newspaper. Among its notable holdings is the Annabella Boswell Papers, listed on the Australian Memory of the World Register. While much of the material is digitized internally, it is generally not accessible online, but can be viewed by appointment at the museum[2][3][5].

Access and Services

The museum is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, generally between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, with the last admission at 3:30 pm. Archival materials are located upstairs and can only be accessed via stairs. Researchers may view archival holdings by appointment, with assistance provided from the Society’s volunteers. Reproductions of materials can be made upon request, although the Society does not undertake research on behalf of visitors, focusing instead on facilitating access to its collections[3].

Governance and Support

The Port Macquarie Historical Society Inc is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) under ABN 21094844196. The Society receives support from government agencies, including the NSW Government’s Create NSW and the Australian Government’s Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism Program[1][4].

The Port Macquarie Historical Society continues to play an essential role in preserving and promoting the rich history of Port Macquarie and its environs, ensuring that the region’s heritage remains accessible and appreciated by future generations.

[1] https://portmuseum.org.au [2] https://www.port-macquarie-historical-museum.org.au/collections.php [3] https://directory.archivists.org.au/index.php/port-macquarie-historical-society-new-south-wales [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/2f567d43-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [5] https://aumuseums.com/nsw/port-macquarie-historical-society