Mortlake & District Historical Society

The Mortlake & District Historical Society collects, records and preserves the history of Mortlake and surrounding communities. Its collection is housed at The Ark Heritage Centre in Shaw Street.

The society's extensive local-history collection includes:

Historic photographs
Local newspapers
Documents and community records
Family-history and biographical material
Maps
Records relating to local buildings, businesses, schools and organisations
Information about the Indigenous and European settlement history of the district

The collection covers Mortlake and nearby communities including Hexham, Woorndoo, Darlington, Dundonnell, Kolora, Ellerslie and Ballangeich.

Visitors can arrange access to undertake local or family-history research, view relevant collection material and seek assistance from the society's volunteers. The society also conducts occasional heritage tours, talks and other events around Mortlake and neighbouring towns. Upcoming activities are advertised on its Facebook page.

The society has contributed extensively to the recording and interpretation of local heritage, including the Mortlake Heritage Trail. A growing selection of photographs, documents and other records from its collection can also be viewed through Victorian Collections.

This is primarily an archive and research centre rather than a museum with regular daily opening hours. Contact the society before visiting.

Opening Hours:

Opening hours and visitor information

Cost:

Entry is free. Charges may apply for copying, research services, publications or special activities. Confirm when making an appointment.

Review:

The Ark Heritage Centre is particularly useful for family-history researchers and visitors wanting detailed information about Mortlake's buildings, residents and surrounding settlements. Children with an interest in history may enjoy viewing historic photographs and comparing old images of Mortlake with the town today. An appointment is essential.