The Sunshine Coast area has many local history groups, museums and places of interest - take the time to explore the displays and resources held onsite and online.....
Genealogy Sunshine Coast is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.00am til 4.30pm.
The Sunshine Coast area has many local history groups, museums and places of interest - take the time to explore the displays and resources held onsite and online.....
SUNSHINE COAST Museums
and Historical Societies
Bankfoot House
This state heritage listed property is the oldest surviving residence in the Glass House Mountains region.
Bankfoot House was established along the old Gympie road in 1868 by William and Mary Grigor as a rest stop for the Cobb and Co Coach service between Brisbane and the Gympie goldfields. Three generations of this family occupied the house for over 130 years before the house and all its contents were sold to the Caloundra City Council in 2004. Mr Jack Ferris was the last resident in the house before he passed away in 2002, aged 101. There is an experience for everyone at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct. Visitors can take tours of the heritage listed house, experience 'The Shed' restoration project, strap on a headset for an award winning virtual reality experience, view seasonal exhibitions in the Mary Grigor interpretive centre, enjoy a picnic in the scenic grounds, or try your hand at the big games available from the centre.
Buderim Pioneer Cottage
Buderim Historical Society Inc
The Buderim Historical Society is housed at the Pioneer Cottage (built 1882), in Pioneer Crescent (formerly Ballinger Crescent) Buderim, and only a 5 minute walk from the Information Centre at the Old Post Office Buderim.
The Society collects and protects the history of Buderim to share with all ages.
Interesting and informative History Talks are conducted on the first Saturday of every third month starting in March.
The Pioneer Cottage provides an excellent venue as the Buderim History Museum for school groups that are studying local history as part of their curriculum.
The Buderim Historical Society was formed when Sybil Vise generously donated her land and the circa 1882 cottage to the Buderim War Memorial Community Centre (now Buderim War Memorial Community Association BWMCA).
Zelma Dyson saw the potential of this old cottage and contacted Councillor Merv. McLuskie who approached Sybil Vise and made several recommendations to her resulting in her donation. This relic of early life was saved from destructive development and set up as an historical museum in the heart of Buderim, now known as “Pioneer Cottage”.
http://www.buderimhistoricalsociety.com Telephone: (07) 5450 1966 (answer service attached)
Email: bhsinc4556@optusnet.com.au Street Address: 5 Ballinger Crescent, Buderim Postal address: P O Box 769 Buderim 4556 Qld
Caloundra Family History Research Inc
Caloundra Family History Research Inc. was founded in May 1993. CFHR are a not-for-profit organisation now based at Courbould Park Racecourse In Caloundra, where they hold regular meetings and educational workshops. Air-conditioned premises with disabled access are located near the carpark - entry from Gate 2 on Pierce Avenue.
https://caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au/
Cooroy-Noosa Genealogical and Historical Research Group Inc
17 Emerald Street, Cooroy.
https://www.genealogy-noosa.org.au/
the centre began in July 1996 with the aim of collecting, promoting and encouraging the study of genealogy, heritage and local history. Visitors and researchers can peruse our extensive library of books, Australian and overseas records, journals, maps and indexes on CD and microfiche. Our air conditioned research area is equipped with modern networked computers using the latest subscription sites on the internet.
Eumundi Museum
Discover Eumundi Heritage and Visitor Centre is one of the smallest heritage centres on the Sunshine Coast, it is one of the most visited with approximately 10,000 visitors a year.
The Centre provides visitor information and historical objects, photographs and interpretive displays.
The Centre can aid with family and historical research of Eumundi and its surrounding district.
Well designed and produced displays depict the Centre’s collection of Aboriginal artefacts and the area’s natural and social history. The Centre strives to remain relevant to the local community by also documenting the contemporary.
Address: 73 Memorial Dr, Eumundi QLD 4562 email: hello@eumundimuseum.org website:eumundi museum.org
https://www.facebook.com/eumundimuseum/
Just a 40 minute drive from Noosa is the small township of Kenilworth, with a population of less than 300, in the beautiful Mary Valley, behind the Blackall Range, and only about two hours drive north of Brisbane. Check the website for more information and make sure you visit their Facebook page which has lots of information on items and family treasures in their collection.
The Museum is open every Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
(Between February & November)
Address: 7/9 Alexandra St, Kenilworth QLD 4574 Phone: (07) 5472 3090 Website: http://www.kenilworthmuseum.org.au/ https://www.facebook.com/HinkaBooma
Landsborough Museum
Landsborough & District Historical Society Inc. 4 Maleny Street, Landsborough QLD
Step inside the beautifully preserved heritage building and uncover the stories that shaped the Sunshine Coast. Housed in the heritage‑listed 1924 Landsborough Shire Council Chambers, the museum brings local history to life through artefacts, photographs and engaging exhibitions.
From Kabi Kabi cultural connections to early settler life, explore the people, places and moments that defined the region. With changing exhibitions, talks, workshops and community events throughout the year, there’s always something new to discover.
Phone: (07) 5420 8600
Email: culturalheritage@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au http://www.landsboroughmuseum.org.au/
Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 3pm. Free entry. Closed public holidays.
Living History ( Palmwoods)
Palmwoods Living History Society Vision Statement - Preserving our past, connecting the present, integrating heritage into our future. 'Living History Society' a sub group of the Palmwoods Memorial Hall Society and strives to preserve the character of Palmwoods: its beauty, charm and intriguing history for future generations. Without your memories we have nothing but photos and question marks.
Founding members: Lynden Thomas, Kerry Larkman, Pamela Rogowski and Wendy McMullin. Thank you.
Email: livinghistorysociety1900@gmail.com Website: http://www.palmwoodslhs.com.au/
Nambour and District Historical Museum
Step back in time at the Nambour and District Historical Museum and experience life across the generations since the first settlers arrived in the area. The museum showcases the rich heritage of the local district, major industries such as sugar cane, telecommunications and health as well as many other facets of country life.
18 Mitchell Street, Nambour, (07) 5441 2119 Wednesday to Friday 1pm to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm
https://www.nambourmuseum.org.au/
Publications for sale: Locomotives of the Moreton Central Sugar Mill by Clive Plater
Noosa Museum
http://www.noosamuseum.org.au/
The Museum was founded by the Cooroora Historical Society in 1985 mainly as a means to preserve what was rapidly disappearing of the past.
The Museum houses an expansive and impressive collection of photographs capturing many moments of the pioneering past as well as modern moments that will one day be an important part of local history. We also have a library of books on the Noosa Shire & newspapers dating back to the early 20th century. Public are welcome to look through the library, photographs and our historical records. Please note that fees are payable for photocopying and for any research work undertaken by museum staff.
https://www.facebook.com/noosamuseum
Peachester Heritage Centre
Set behind the Peachester Hall, this newly created Heritage Centre displays a fascinating collection by local craftsman, the late Jim Hall. Themes include the region’s timber industry and famous forecaster, Indigo Jones.
Peachester Hall, 960 Peachester Road, Peachester
(07) 5494 9557 / (07) 5439 0895 https://www.facebook.com/PeachesterHistoryCommittee
Mondays (by appointment only). Every fourth Sunday of the month, 10am to 2pm, or by appointment.
For anyone interested in local, family and general history, P.H.C. meets at the Peachester Hall on the first Sunday of the month (except January). Program of guest speakers, activities and excursions throughout the year.
Yandina Historic House
Yandina Historic House is leased from the Sunshine Coast Council by the Yandina & District Historical Society Inc. – a not for profit organisation, run by volunteers. The Historical Society’s aim is to research, preserve and display local history and to have it accessible to the community.
If you are interested in the history of our beautiful area, new members are most welcome to the Yandina & District Historical Society Inc. Meetings are held monthly – usually the third Friday of the month at 1o AM. Information is available at the house to research at any time.
Phone 5472 7181
Email: yandina4561@gmail.com