About

About the Geelong Heritage Centre

The Geelong Heritage Centre (GHC) opened in 1979 as the Geelong Historical Records Centre. Over the past forty years, the GHC has grown significantly and today manages a major Australian regional archive, the collection of which has now been formally recognised as being nationally significant in a National Library of Australia-funded Collection Significance Assessment report completed in 2014.

In October 2015, the GHC transitioned its functions and services to become part of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC). The GHC is governed by the GRLC Board and also has a Collection Advisory Committee which provides collection-related advice to the GRLC Board as required.
The GHC collection has a geographical focus of the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Golden Plains Shire and Surf Coast Shire Council local government areas.

Today, the GHC is located on Level 3 of the iconic Geelong Library & Heritage Centre. Known as the Vault Kim barne thaliu (Here yesterday, in the language of the local Wadawurrung people), the GHC features extensive Reading Room resources, historical displays and a purpose-built repository which stores the archival records.

The Archives are a unique recorded history of Geelong and surrounding areas. Countless memories and stories live on in the carefully-managed collection of public and private records, newspapers, maps, plans, photographs, and extensive catalogues and indexes.

Admission to the Reading Room is free, as is access to the archive collection and reference library. There are many free resources also available to help you find the item you are seeking, including an extensive collection of catalogues and indexes to many records in the Archives. A team of friendly, specialist staff are on hand to help you explore the collection and assist with your research enquiries.

Opening Hours

Partnerships

The GHC has enjoyed an enduring relationship with Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) since 1979. GHC is classified as a PROV ‘Class A’ Place of Deposit and therefore is able to manage, preserve and make accessible permanent public records.
The GHC Archives also include a large collection of items owned by the Geelong Historical Society, an organisation passionately enhancing appreciation of Geelong’s history since its formation in 1944.

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