About us
Our Society is run entirely by Volunteers
We have a dedicated group of volunteers who work 'front of house' on open days and special events, as well as contributing hundreds of hours working on projects at the museum and from home. Everything you see: exhibitions, photographs, books, our impressive collection of historic documents and family histories are the work of our volunteers. Volunteering also has a social element, an opportunity to meet like-minded people. We always need more helpers so contact us if you love history and have a few hours per week to offer.
 | Currently the ‘Shed ‘is being renovated to display many of the tools. |
There are also a number of members who have had long term connections to the history of the district and have been able to provide an excellent recall about people, places and events that have occurred. The items on display and the contents of the research archives are preserved for the use and enjoyment of the community and visitors.
VISIT THE MUSEUM ON OPEN DAYS,
every Sunday until Easter 2026.
We held a successful Open Day on Sunday, 21 April 2024, as part of the Heritage Festival organised by the National Trust. Our Museum is a listed National Trust building which we showcase to the general public. Everyone is welcome to visit us on our Open Day Sundays or by appointment. In the late 1840s, pastoral properties on the Bellarine were subdivided into wheat fields and then smaller farms growing onion, potato, asparagus, dairies, etc when the railway arrived. It was the major food supplier to the Port Phillip District. As the population grew, towns prospered. You can view historical buildings in Drysdale and Portarlington using our well-documented walking and driving guides. View the Old Mill, Grand Hotel, school houses, elegant churches, simple cottages, early commercial and other establishments. At the Museum enjoy new exhibitions of artefacts from an earlier, almost forgotten age. View PowerPoint images of historic Bellarine. Book an appointment or make a research request using this button.
