Resources
Heritage help videos
During COVID-19 lockdown, Hobsons Bay Libraries produced a series of videos to guide you through getting started on some common research topics at home.
While many websites used have changed in layout, the videos remain a handy starting point for patrons wanting to work independently before submitting an enquiry or visiting a branch. Check out the list of available videos on our YouTube Channel.
Check out the list of available videos on our YouTube channel.
Historical societies
The Altona Historical Society was formed in 1961, incorporated in 1996 and in 2000 it amalgamated with the Laverton Historical Society to form the Altona Laverton Historical Society.
Altona Homestead, originally called Laverton Homestead, was the first homestead run built on the foreshore of Port Phillip in the 1840s. It is now a museum in which the Altona Laverton Historical Society is situated.
The museum contains an eclectic mix of objects from earlier periods and photographs of the area.
The museum is located at 128 Queen Street, Altona (opposite the Altona Library).
Museum opening times:
Tuesdays: 11am to 2pm
Saturdays: 10am to 12noon
First Sunday of the month: 2pm to 4pm
Phone: (03) 9315 0527 or 0447 840 895
The Williamstown Historical Society was founded in 1956, and its Museum is located in the Mechanics Institute, a National Trust listed building dating from 1860. The Museum is a comprehensive history outlet, offering books, booklets, brochures, postcards, souvenirs & research services. The collection highlights the historic seaport’s maritime history, and also includes furniture, costumes, sporting memorabilia, paintings, photographs and a wide range of social history exhibits that illustrate life in Williamstown from the 1840s.
The museum located at 5 Electra Street, Williamstown is currently undergoing renovations and the collection is in storage. Please refer to the Society’s website for updates.
History of Hobsons Bay
This history of Williamstown was developed from the 1987 Williamstown History Kit by Ada Ackerly.
The Williamstown History Kit is a great starting point for researchers of all ages into the history of Williamstown, Newport and Spotswood and the digitisation of this resource has been funded by the State Government Local Priorities Grant.
The contents of these pages cannot be reproduced without the permission of Hobsons Bay City Council.
Looking for more information about Williamstown?
The City of Williamstown Conservation Study identifies heritage places and precincts within Williamstown.
You can explore Hobsons Bay Libraries' Historypin channel to discover photos, videos and stories as contributed by the local community.
Historic images, maps and newspapers can be found at Trove, from the National Library of Australia.