Mount Evelyn History Group Inc

Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, the Mount Evelyn History Group Inc is a dedicated community organisation focused on preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Mount Evelyn and its surrounding districts. Formed by local enthusiasts in the 1990s, the group initially collaborated with the Mt Evelyn Environment Protection & Progress Association before becoming an independent incorporated body in 2008. Today, it stands as a vibrant hub for historical research, education, and community engagement, welcoming all who share an interest in the stories that have shaped the region.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Mount Evelyn History Group Inc is to foster a deep appreciation of local history through independent research, preservation, and education. Its vision is to ensure that the social, cultural, and environmental history of Mount Evelyn is not only safeguarded for future generations but also made accessible and engaging for the community today. The group is committed to maintaining high standards in historical scholarship and to encouraging active participation in historical activities across the region.

Main Objectives

• To operate as an independent group with a sole focus on local history.
• To collect, preserve, and catalogue historical information, photographs, and artefacts relevant to Mount Evelyn and its people.
• To research and publish works that document the development of the town, including the social profiles of its residents, significant events, and landmarks.
• To promote historical awareness through public talks, exhibitions, and community events.
• To support and collaborate with other local historical societies and organisations.

Benefiting Groups

The activities and resources of Mount Evelyn History Group Inc benefit a wide range of people, including:

• Local residents seeking to understand their community’s heritage or trace family histories.
• Students and researchers interested in the social and environmental history of the Yarra Valley.
• Visitors and newcomers wanting to learn about the distinctive character and stories of Mount Evelyn.
• Community organisations and schools looking for historical context or guest speakers for events.

Services and Activities

Mount Evelyn History Group Inc offers a diverse array of services and activities designed to connect people with their past:

• Regular meetings featuring guest speakers, workshops, and historical presentations, held at the RSL Hall, Hardy House.
• Publication of the monthly newsletter Things Past, which shares research findings, member stories, and updates on local history.
• Production and sale of historical publications, including books on the town’s development, notable families, and guides for researching house histories.
• Participation in local events with displays and information stalls to engage the broader community.
• Provision of research assistance for individuals investigating family trees, property histories, or specific aspects of Mount Evelyn’s past.
• Maintenance of a historical collection, including photographs, documents, and oral histories, available for reference by members and the public.

Through these efforts, Mount Evelyn History Group Inc plays a vital role in keeping the town’s history alive, ensuring that the social profiles of its people, the evolution of its landscape, and the spirit of its community are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.