Williamstown Historical Society
Our Heritage Room hosts a rotating display by the Williamstown Historical Society.
Preserving the Past for Our Future - Our Heritage Buildings
Exhibition ran until 16 April, 2025.
Once Melbourne's main seaport, Williamstown experienced significant growth in the 1850s and 1860s as prospectors arrived in their thousands, making their way to the Victorian goldfields, to seek their fortunes. This surge in population led to the construction of numerous hotels, shops, residences, banks, and churches to accommodate the growing number of migrants.
Many of the buildings from Williamstown’s early days remain standing, some repurposed to fit modern needs while still retaining their unique character. Alongside these heritage structures are newer buildings, which, though not as old, still have their own stories to tell.
This exhibition highlights a selection of buildings in our town that we need to preserve and celebrate for their importance to our history and our future.
Remembrance Day Exhibition
Exhibition ran until 30 November, 2023.
We have items loaned from the Williamstown Historical Society, which include a gas rattle used to alert soldiers in the trenches to put on their gas masks from World War I. Other interesting items include a personal identity bracelet worn by a local driver which was used to identify those killed or wounded.
A letter from a Newport soldier explains his experience of landing in Gallipoli and how his friend Robert Lawson from Williamstown was killed in action.
With thanks to the Williamstown Historical Society.