Maryborough Family Heritage Research Institute

29/10/2026

The Early Years of Horse Racing - With the Melbourne Cup just around the corner we thought we would look into the early days of horse racing in the local area. According to early local newspapers there were at least 5 local clubs from Tiaro to Howard. It didn't take long for early settlers to introduce horse racing events as well as other sporting activities to their social calendars.
Come in and see our latest display - a snapshot of early horse racing.
We would be interested in any photos or early memorabilia you may have of early day racing or sports that we can add to our collections and preserve for future generations.
We are open Tues - Thursday 9am - 2pm

20/10/2026

Have you been admiring the jacaranda trees in Queens Park?
🌳
Did you Know? – Mr John Coles, who arrived in Maryborough with his family on the ship ‘Scottish Wizard’ in 1882, became an employee of the then Maryborough Municipal Council as a gardener, and it was John Coles who planted the jacaranda trees along the edge of Queen’s Park in Sussex Street.
🌳
Queen’s park is one of Australia’s oldest botanical gardens and is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.
🌳
For more information about the ship ** ‘Scottish Wizard’ ** and it’s voyage in 1882 to Maryborough, and other researched ships that arrived in Maryborough Qld, please contact us via our website https://www.treeroots.com.au/

25/09/2026

New Display – 🍻 A pub on every corner? Challenge accepted!🍻

Did you know that Maryborough was once known for having a pub on every corner? Back then, doing a lap of the block wasn’t exercise – it was a test of endurance. 🏃‍♂️💨

We didn’t break the Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest pub crawl by accident. It is literally in our DNA.

If the heritage verandas and bars could talk, they’d probably tell you to drink some water and order a bowl of chips. From the Customs House Hotel pouring pints since 1868 to the teamsters who needed a stiff drink at the Carriers Arms after carting timber all day, our town was built on good b**r and better stories.

If you don’t believe us, come in and check out our new display on Maryborough Hotels, past and present. Whether you are a history buff, a fan of the stunning Queensland architecture or just appreciate a good old-fashioned cold one, there are lots of interesting pics and information.

Tuesday to Thursday 9:00am to 2:30pm, Ground Floor 164 Richmond Street.

02/09/2026

26/08/2026

Ground Floor, 164 Richmond Street [email protected]

11/08/2026

🎒 More Than Just Classrooms 🇦🇺

Our School Heritage Display for National Family History Month is generating lots of interest. Did you know that for early immigrants arriving in Queensland during the 1800s, local schools were about much more than just ABCs. They were vital lifelines for survival and community building. 🏫✨

Here is why they mattered so much:

• Community Hubs: Schools were often the very first public buildings erected in new settlements, serving as town halls, churches, and social gathering spaces.

• Cultural Bridges: For non-English speaking arrivals (like Germany's large migrant wave to Maryborough), classrooms were where children learned the language and customs of their new home.

• Social Mobility: Free, secular education gave working-class immigrant families a genuine chance to build a better life than the ones they left behind.

Education wasn't just a classroom luxury—it was the foundation of the diverse Queensland we know today! Come in and browse our display. Tue-Thurs 9:00am to 2:30pm.

01/08/2026

🍎 CELEBRATING SCHOOL HERITAGE! 🏫
It’s National Family History Month and we are looking back at the incredible history of education in the Maryborough region. Schools are the heartbeat of our community—where our ancestors made lifelong friends, learned their trades, and grew up.

This month, we want to celebrate EVERY school that has shaped the Heritage City and surrounds, including the historic little schoolhouses that have sadly closed their doors but live on in our memories. Our volunteers have raided the archives and there is lots of information on display in our visitors area. Come in and take a look – FREE ENTRY. Tue-Thu 9:00am to 2:30pm, Ground Floor, 164 Richmond Street.

05/07/2026

What a wonderful day we had about 450 people came through our doors thank you to all.

Some bad news today a Cabbage Patch doll was taken it was on loan to our museum. Please if anyone knows the whereabouts please can you return the doll please.

05/07/2026

Mary Poppins View from the top of our building.

04/07/2026

All set and ready for Mary Poppins. Come on in and support the Historical Society