Cohuna & District Historical Society was formed on 3rd April, 1970. Meetings were held at the High School until July 1971, and then in the old Memorial Hall Library room, where they were able to display their growing collection of the district's history.
A Hobbies & Collectors Day, (1972-1985) drew many interested collectors. Other projects include a request for a way-side stop at Major Mitchell's camping site at Wee Wee Rup, the marking of the Major Mitchell tree on the Barr Creek at Koroop in May 1975 and sites of original schools.
In 1975, Cohuna celebrated its Centenary, and the Society published the first of its books, "Unlock the Land", a history of the district from its earliest days.
Family Centenary Certificates, designed by Mrs Phyllis Hetherington, have been presented to families on achieving 100 years of settlement in this district.
In 1982 Cohuna Historical Society Co-operative was formed, and purchased the Scots Church and Hall, (following the formation of the Uniting Church) to display and store the extensive collection of exhibits, photographs and records. Cohuna Historical Centre was officially opened on 17th November 1984. The Co-operative was dissolved in 1991.
The Old Church Building has become the Museum for exhibits and special displays. The collection contains a variety of old household items and memorabilia of the district, including a fence post cut by Albert Jacka, Australia's first V.C. winner in World War One, who worked in this district prior to the war; part of an original tree marked by Major Mitchell; the Macorna Telephone exchange; and a potato-masher originally owned by the mother of Ned Kelly.
 Who are they... |
Wee Wee Rup/Gunbower Wedding c.1902 |
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The Archive & Photographic Collections are now housed in the adjacent purpose-built brick Archives Building opened on the 18th September 1992. A large compactus unit is installed in the fire-proof room.
Family & Local History Research (photocopying, plus a small fee) can be arranged, or you may prefer to do your own research. Researchers are requested to donate a copy to our archives.
All acquisitions in both Museum & Archives have been donated by the community whilst Indexing and Research are carried out entirely by volunteers.
Donations by Local Service Clubs, organisations, and individuals, include display cases, furniture and the compactus.
The Old Church Hall (where the display cases contain a collection of photographs of Cohuna and district through the years) has become the centre of fund raising activities and "Trash and Treasure" sales (our major fund-raiser) are held in the hall on a regular basis.
This Website: http://members.cybanet.net.au/~cdhs
Facilities
Cohuna & District Historical Society was formed on 3rd April, 1970. Meetings were held at the High School until July 1971, and then in the old Memorial Hall Library room, where they were able to display their growing collection of the district's history.
The Museum contains memorabilia of Cohuna's past. Open Monday
mornings 10am-Noon or by appointment.
