Kilmore Historical Society

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Kilmore Historical Society Kilmore Historical Society Inc aims to foster historical interests and knowledge of Kilmore, Victoria

Congratulations to Francis Payne on receiving a Commendation for Kilmore - A walk Through History at the Local History A...
29/10/2026

Congratulations to Francis Payne on receiving a Commendation for Kilmore - A walk Through History at the Local History Awards. The competition is always fierce so Kilmore Historical Society are just thrilled to receive this recognition. Thanks to Francis for all his work putting the book together.
Kilmore - A Walk Through History is on sale at the Kilmore Historical Society, 2 Powlett Street and at the Kilmore Book Store, 28 Sydney Street. At just $25 it is a great gift for anyone.

šŸ›ļø KILMORE HISTORICAL SOCIETY | A WALK THROUGH HISTORYšŸ“ STOP 28 ā€“ THE OLD KILMORE POST OFFICE2 Powlett Street, Kilmoreāœ‰ļø...
27/10/2026

šŸ›ļø KILMORE HISTORICAL SOCIETY | A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

šŸ“ STOP 28 ā€“ THE OLD KILMORE POST OFFICE
2 Powlett Street, Kilmore

āœ‰ļø From letters and telegrams to local treasures and stories of the pastā€¦

Have you ever stepped inside Kilmoreā€™s beautiful old Post Office?

Standing proudly on the corner of Powlett Street and Skehan Place, this magnificent bluestone building has been part of Kilmoreā€™s story for more than 160 years.

But there's much more to discover behind those historic walls than you might expect!

šŸ“œ A LITTLE HISTORYā€¦

Did you know Kilmore's first Post Office opened in February 1843, making it only the fourth post office established in the Port Phillip district?

In those early days, the town didn't even have a permanent post office! Mail services moved between various businesses along Sydney Street.

The beautiful building we know today was constructed between 1861 and 1862 by the Public Works Department at a cost of Ā£2,293.

For an incredible 133 years, from 1862 until 1995, it served the people of Kilmore.

Originally, customers conducted their business through windows beneath the front portico, while the upstairs rooms were home to the postmaster and his family.

Over the years, the building has also housed an antique shop, an Indian restaurant and even a Greek-Vietnamese restaurant!

And today? It's home to something rather specialā€¦

šŸ›ļø THE KILMORE HISTORICAL SOCIETY!

Step inside and discover a wonderful collection of local history, fascinating stories, photographs, books and treasures that celebrate the people and places that shaped our town.

šŸ“š THERE'S SO MUCH TO EXPLORE!

šŸ“– BOOKS, BOOKS & MORE BOOKS!

Browse our wonderful selection of local history books, publications and stories. Whether you're researching your family, discovering the history of your home or simply love a good story, there's something for everyone.

And let's not forget our increasingly popular SECOND-HAND BOOK SALES! šŸ“š

Held every few months, these wonderful sales have become a favourite with locals and book lovers alike!

From beautiful old hardcovers and vintage treasures to fiction, gardening, history, cooking and everything in between, you never quite know what you'll uncover.

Keep an eye on our page for the next sale!

šŸ‘— FASHION, OBJECTS & TREASURES FROM THE PAST

One of the most fascinating parts of the Society is its remarkable collection of historical objects and fashion archives.

From beautiful garments and accessories worn by generations before us to everyday household objects, photographs and curious little treasures, each piece offers a glimpse into how people once lived.

You'll find fascinating pieces displayed throughout the main area, but there's even more history carefully preserved in the Society's collections and storage!

šŸ—‚ļø HISTORICAL ARCHIVES & RESEARCH

Curious about your family's connection to Kilmore? Wondering what your street looked like 100 years ago?

Our historical archives are a treasure trove of photographs, records, documents and fascinating local information.

Behind the scenes, the Society's dedicated volunteers continue the important work of collecting, researching and preserving Kilmore's history, ensuring these stories aren't lost to time.

šŸŽ OUR LITTLE GIFT SHOP

Looking for something a little different?

Discover locally inspired gifts, historical publications, postcards, prints and keepsakes, including our beautiful Doors of Kilmore collection.

Perfect for visitors, history lovers or anyone proud to call Kilmore home.

šŸ” DISCOVER THE STORIES BEHIND OUR TOWN

From grand historic buildings and forgotten businesses to pioneering families, changing fashions and everyday life in old Kilmore, there's always something new to learn.

And the best part? Much of this history has been preserved right here in the heart of town.

ā¤ļø SUPPORT LOCAL HISTORY

Every book and gift purchased helps support the Kilmore Historical Society and its ongoing work preserving our town's remarkable heritage for future generations.

āœØ WHY NOT BECOME A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN?

Next time you're wandering through Kilmore, take a little detour down Powlett Street.

Admire the beautiful bluestone architecture, step through the doors of the old Post Office, browse the books and gifts, admire the historical displays and discover a little piece of the past.

You might be surprised by what you find!

šŸ“ Kilmore Historical Society
2 Powlett Street, Kilmore
Former Kilmore Post Office

šŸ“– FEATURED IN OUR BOOK
Kilmore: A Walk Through History

Discover the stories behind Kilmore's historic buildings, streets and landmarks, including the Old Post Office at Stop 28.

Copies are available through the Kilmore Historical Society.

And if you've never been inside, perhaps it's time for a visit! ā¤ļø

šŸ›ļø DISCOVER KILMORE ON FOOT!ā˜€ļø A little sunshine, a good pair of walking shoes and 189 years of stories waiting to be di...
20/10/2026

šŸ›ļø DISCOVER KILMORE ON FOOT!

ā˜€ļø A little sunshine, a good pair of walking shoes and 189 years of stories waiting to be discovered...

With the warmer months upon us, why not become a tourist in your own town?

Whether you've lived in Kilmore your whole life, recently moved to the area, or have family and friends visiting, there's so much history hiding in plain sight!

šŸ“– KILMORE: A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

Published by the Kilmore Historical Society and edited by Francis Payne, this wonderful book takes you on a journey through approximately 80 historic properties, with walking routes along Sydney Street, Powlett Street, Fitzroy Street and beyond.

From grand churches and old hotels to the Courthouse, Post Office and forgotten landmarks, discover the stories behind the streets you pass every day.

šŸ‘£ Bring the kids, invite some friends, stop for a coffee and discover Kilmore at your own pace!

šŸ”Ž And keep your eyes peeled ā€” we have an exciting historical scavenger hunt planned this summer.

šŸ“– TAKE A PEEK INSIDE!
Swipe through our photos for a sneak peek at the walking maps, historic photographs and fascinating stories waiting inside.

šŸ“š GET YOUR COPY
$25 per book | Members $20

šŸ“ Kilmore Historical Society
Old Post Office, 2 Powlett Street, Kilmore

šŸ•™ Tuesday & Thursday: 10amā€“3pm
Saturday: 10amā€“1pm

šŸ“® Can't make it in? Message us to arrange postage (additional cost).

Every purchase helps preserve and share Kilmore's history. ā¤ļø

Which historic Kilmore building would you love to learn more about?

šŸ›ļø KILMORE ā€“ A WALK THROUGH HISTORYSTOP 53 | ASSUMPTION COLLEGEšŸ“ 39 Sutherland Street, KilmoreAssumption College, Kilmor...
13/10/2026

šŸ›ļø KILMORE ā€“ A WALK THROUGH HISTORY
STOP 53 | ASSUMPTION COLLEGE
šŸ“ 39 Sutherland Street, Kilmore

Assumption College, Kilmore

DID YOU KNOW? Assumption College wasn't always where it stands today!

Behind the magnificent red-brick faƧade lies a fascinating history of education, architecture, sporting legends and even a connection to one of Kilmore's earliest churches.

šŸ“œ 1875 ā€“ The Sisters of Mercy

The original two-storey section was designed by architect Augustus A. Fritsch and served as both classrooms and accommodation for the Sisters of Mercy, who operated a convent and girls' school.

šŸ›ļø 1890 ā€“ The Building We Recognise Today

By 1890, the impressive red-brick wings, chapel and additional accommodation had been completed, creating the historic building we recognise today, now associated with Shandon House.

ā›Ŗ A Connection to an Earlier Kilmore Church

Here's something you might not know!

Bluestone from the former St Bridget's Church, built around 1855 at Willowmavin, was reportedly reused in the early Sisters of Mercy convent building during the 1870s.

šŸŽ“ 1893 ā€“ The Beginnings of Assumption College

The Marist Brothers established their school in Kilmore in 1893, originally operating from White Street. The name Assumption College was formally adopted in 1906.

And here's another interesting connection...

Those White Street buildings later became Kilmore International School and subsequently Colmont School!

šŸ”‘ 1914 ā€“ The Great School Exchange

In a remarkable chapter of Kilmore's educational history, the Marist Brothers and Sisters of Mercy exchanged school premises.

Assumption College moved to Sutherland Street, while the Sisters of Mercy relocated to White Street.

šŸ‰ A Remarkable Sporting Legacy

Assumption College went on to establish a strong reputation for Australian Rules football, producing numerous VFL/AFL players, including Shane Crawford, Billy Brownless and Neale Daniher.

From its early days as a religious school to becoming one of Australia's recognised football nurseries, Assumption has played an important role in Kilmore's story.

šŸ“ø NOW WE'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORIES!

Were you a student at Assumption College, Kilmore International School or Colmont?

Do you remember the old classrooms, chapel, boarding houses or sporting days?

Perhaps you have old school photographs, class photos or football team pictures tucked away?

Share your memories and photographs in the comments! We'd love to see them and help preserve another piece of Kilmore's history.

šŸ“– Sources: Kilmore ā€“ A Walk Through History, Stop 53, p. 82; Kilmore Historical Society

ā¤ļø Love discovering Kilmore's hidden history?

Follow Kilmore Historical Society for more walks through history, fascinating local stories, community events and exciting announcements!

This Saturday! Thousands of books all priced to sell. Fabulous range of collectables & hard to find volumes, magazines &...
06/10/2026

This Saturday! Thousands of books all priced to sell. Fabulous range of collectables & hard to find volumes, magazines & newspapers. Due to predicted rain our 'Fill A Bag For $10' will most likely be located inside rather than the rear yard. ENTRY FROM SKEHAN PLACE ONLY.

šŸ›ļø FROM COUNCIL CHAMBERS TO BUTTERFLY COLLECTIONSā€¦STOP 6 ā€” FORMER KILMORE TOWN HALLYou know its grand faƧadeā€”but did you...
04/10/2026

šŸ›ļø FROM COUNCIL CHAMBERS TO BUTTERFLY COLLECTIONSā€¦
STOP 6 ā€” FORMER KILMORE TOWN HALL

You know its grand faƧadeā€”but did you know whatā€™s happening behind those doors today? šŸ¦‹

Built in 1894 at 16 Sydney Street, Kilmoreā€™s Town Hall was designed by G.R. Johnson, whose work also includes the town halls of Collingwood, Fitzroy and Northcote. It cost Ā£2,000, with its elaborate decoration reflecting a prosperous and busy Kilmore.

Inside, our book describes a largely original council chamber with early furnishings, a stair hall and impressive oak wood-graining on the joineryā€”a glimpse into the buildingā€™s civic past.

After serving as council chambers until 1978, the building took on other roles, including a cafƩ and restaurant.

Now it has a fascinating new chapter: the National Institute of Entomology signed a long-term lease on 20 July 2026 and began moving in its scientific equipment, furniture and specimen collections.

Their September newsletter reports local volunteers helping establish the research library, alongside work on a donated butterfly collection.

And there may be an opportunity to peek inside! The Institute has expressed hopes for a public opening ceremony once everything is ready. No date has been announced in the updates weā€™ve checked.

Have you been inside the Town Hallā€”perhaps during its cafĆ© days? What do you remember about the staircase or rooms?

Very exciting times for our beautiful town!

Follow Kilmore Historical Society for more stories behind our townā€™s familiar doors.

šŸ“– Sources: Kilmore: A Walk Through History, p. 26; Mitchell Shire Stage Two Heritage Study (2006), vol. 2, p. 28; Goulburn Region Tourism; National Institute of Entomology newsletters, August and September 2026.

ā˜˜ļø KILMOREā€™S CELTIC ROOTS ā€” AND COULD AN OLD TRADITION RETURN? ā˜˜ļøDid you know Kilmoreā€™s name came all the way from Irela...
23/09/2026

ā˜˜ļø KILMOREā€™S CELTIC ROOTS ā€” AND COULD AN OLD TRADITION RETURN? ā˜˜ļø

Did you know Kilmoreā€™s name came all the way from Ireland?

In 1841, Irishman William Rutledge, originally from County Cavan, purchased his 5,120-acre Special Survey and named the developing township Kilmore, after the well-known diocese in Cavan.

The name derives from the Irish Cill MhĆ³r ā€” Cill meaning church, cell or burial place and MĆ³r meaning big or great: ā€œBig Churchā€ or ā€œGreat Church.ā€

When land sales initially struggled, Rutledge leased allotments mainly to Irish farmers, helping establish the strong Irish influence that became part of Kilmoreā€™s identity.

But our Celtic story didn't remain only in the 1800s.

šŸŽ» DO YOU REMEMBER THE KILMORE CELTIC FESTIVAL?

Kilmore once celebrated its heritage with its own Celtic Festival, with traditions including Celtic musicians, dancing, a cƩilidh, harp activities, markets, traditional crafts, workshops and food.

And around the Celtic world, some beautiful traditions continue today: Irish cƩilidhs where everyone is invited to dance, Scottish pipe processions and Highland dancing, Gaelic singing and storytelling, fiddle and harp sessions, Highland gatherings and games, traditional craft demonstrations and communal meals.

Perhaps some of those traditions could inspire Kilmore again.

Imagine pipes sounding through Hudson Park, Celtic music and dancing, storytelling inside our historic buildings, heritage crafts and food, families following a trail through town, a traditional Kilmore cƩilidh, or even a winter lantern procession through the historic precinct.

Rather than simply recreating the past, it could be an opportunity to bring Kilmoreā€™s Celtic heritage to life for another generation. ā˜˜ļø

What do you remember about Kilmoreā€™s Celtic Festival? Which traditions would you love to see return?

We'd especially love to see your old festival photos, programs, posters and memories in the comments. šŸ‘‡

šŸ“– Historical information sourced from Kilmore ā€“ A Walk Through History, Kilmore Historical Society, edited by Francis Payne.

šŸ“š Those wanting to discover more can also find Kilmore ā€“ A Walk Through History, Kilmore on the Sydney Road by Maya V. Tucker, and historic Kilmore prints through the Kilmore Historical Society at the Old Kilmore Post Office.

Address

2 Powlett Street
Kilmore, VIC
3764

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm

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