Welcome to the Hawkesbury Historical Society. Inc.

For many thousands of years Aboriginal clans, now usually referred to  as the Darug people, lived a nomadic life on the fertile plains on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. The early discovery of this fertility by Europeans led to the area becoming by 1794, the third European settlement in the colony of New South Wales, variously referred to as Mulgrave Place and Green Hills. The farms, established by both ex-convicts and free settlers, became a major source of food for Sydney, but were subject to frequent flooding and in 1810 this led to Governor Macquarie to establish five towns, Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town, Wilberforce and Castlereagh, on the high ground above the flood plain.

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Established in 1956, the Hawkesbury Historical Society promotes and encourages the study of the history of the Hawkesbury and collects and preserves artefacts relating to the history of the Hawkesbury. Membership is open to all residents of the City of Hawkesbury and others who agree with the objects and rules of the Association and who attend a general meeting of the Association.

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The Hawkesbury Historical Society publishes research papers on topics related to the Hawkesbury region. These will now also be made available on this web site.

 

The Society also operates a book shop at the Hawkesbury Regional Museum. The focus of the bookshop is on book titles related to the Hawkesbury region, early colonial history and research titles to assist in family research. Currently there are over 150 titles available which now can be purchased online via this web site. Profit on the sale of books goes to support the work of the Hawkesbury Historical Society and the Hawkesbury Regional Museum. To view a list of books available click

 

The Hawkesbury Regional Museum has been operating since 1962, in premises in Thompson Square. Originally it was run by the Society but now the historical collection owned by the Society is housed in a purpose built museum at 8 Baker Street, Windsor directly behind the previous building. The Hawkesbury City Council now operates the museum.

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The Museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm, six days per week. Closed Tuesday (except by appointment for guided groups) Public holidays: Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday. Open 10am-4pm other public holidays FREE ENTRY

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The Society meets on the fourth Thursday of February, April and October at 7.30 pm and the fourth Saturday in June and August at 2.00 pm in the Hawkesbury Regional Museum. Visitors are welcome. Guest speakers present topics relevant to the history of the Hawkesbury at each meeting.