Heritage Network

Altona-Laverton Historical Society

Interior of Altona Homestead

Located at the Altona Homestead
128 Queen Street, Altona 3018 

The Altona Historical Society was formed in 1961, incorporated in 1996 and in 2000 amalgamated with the Laverton Historical Society to form the Altona-Laverton Historical Society Inc.

Its aim is to encourage the study of the history of Altona and Laverton area through the acquisition of relevant objects, photographs, information and archive material, making these available to members and the community for their research. 

The Altona Homestead Museum has an extensive collection of photographs and documents through which visitors can gain an understanding and feel for local community life experienced in the past.

For more information, visit the Altona-Laverton Historical Society website.

Williamstown Historical Society

Historic Timeball Tower Point Gellibrand

Offices at 100 Douglas Parade, Williamstown 3016

Williamstown was first settled in 1835 as the port for Melbourne, and the society was set up in 1956 to collect, record, preserve and promote our local social history.

Williamstown was a “government town” with immigration, pilots, customs, water police, tugboats, boat building and ship building, a ports and harbour yard, astronomical observatory, railway workshops, Victorian Navy, militia, artillery and rifle range along with iron foundries, petroleum facilities, S.E.C. power station and more.

The Williamstown Historical Society is a member-based organisation managed by an elected committee. It consists of volunteers who undertake research, archiving, recording, preservation, collecting, displaying and promoting the history of Williamstown. The Williamstown Historical Society operated its museum from the Williamstown Mechanics Institute. The collection is not available in its entirety publicly as the Williamstown Mechanics Institute buildings are closed for future renovation.

The society welcomes new members and new volunteers. It publishes an excellent monthly newsletter.

Further information can be found on the Williamstown Historical Society website.

St John Ambulance Museum

St John Ambulance

Located corner The Esplanade & Garden Street, Williamstown 3016

Discover the rich history of St John Ambulance in Victoria from the perspective of the many generous volunteers who are the backbone of the organisation. View displays from 1900 to today of first aid equipment, uniforms, photographs and more. Visit the newly refurbished St John Museum, open to public across from Williamstown Beach.

Further information can be found on the St John Ambulance Museum website.