Royal Historical Society of Victoria

Royal Historical Society of Victoria A significant collecting organisation that focuses on the history of Victoria and umbrella organisation for some 350 historical societies across Victoria.
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A membership-based charity. We have a large public events program, publish books and enjoy history. The Society provides a full program of activities for the benefit of its members and the general public. This includes the publication of a newsletter, a peer-reviewed journal and books of historical interest. Its activities are available to all Victorians.

One of the more unconventional characters to try his fortunes in the Victorian goldrush of the 1850s was a man by the na...
21/08/2026

One of the more unconventional characters to try his fortunes in the Victorian goldrush of the 1850s was a man by the name of Dr David Hailperin.

An "old world" rabbinic scholar-turned-Kabbalist mystic and "quack" physician whose previous work history included "merchant" and "clairvoyant who claimed magical powers", he arrived in 1855 and quickly established himself as a man of some renown in both Melbourne and Bendigo.

Though his time in Australia proved short (he died only five years after his arrival), he left behind a rich documentary trail that reveals an eccentric and complex personality.

Join us for an intriguing journey into colonial Victoria, Jewish mysticism, and the life of a man who brought Black Magic and controversy to the streets of Melbourne and to the goldfields.

🗓️ Tuesday 25 August | 5.30pm–7pm
đź“Ť In person at the RHSV or online via Zoom
Tickets at https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/event/the-mysterious-dr-david-hailperin/

On Friday 14 August, community history leaders came from all over the state to take part in our annual seminar event in ...
18/08/2026

On Friday 14 August, community history leaders came from all over the state to take part in our annual seminar event in Melbourne. During this session, we discussed topics such as priority setting, heritage advocacy, legal responsibilities, and how to manage conflict and recovery.

This year's summit was particularly well attended, and it was great to see so many leaders of historical societies in one place. We share our thanks to everyone who attended or presented, and a particularly enthusiastic note of gratitude to head of the Historical Societies Support Committee, Craige Proctor, who organized the event. Feedback has been glowing, and we’re already looking forward to running our next dedicated event for historical societies, which will be taking place in October in Kilmore and Lancefield. Learn more about this next event here:
https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/event/exploring-the-foundations/

This beautifully coloured map was produced in about 1920. It shows a portion of the area that is now known as Reservoir ...
14/08/2026

This beautifully coloured map was produced in about 1920. It shows a portion of the area that is now known as Reservoir in Melbourne’s north, between Glasgow St and Mahoney's Road, east of Edgar's Creek. It was part of marketing collateral produced to promote sales of lots in the newly created Merrilands "Garden Suburb".

Those familiar with this area of Reservoir may recognise that this map does not align to cardinal north. Mahoney's Road, shown on the right-hand side of the map, is the northernmost locale depicted. By turning the map, the maker has chosen to emphasise the creek as a key landmark of the area.



(Image: M24-0372. The Royal Historical Society of Victoria has more than 100,000 licensable items in its archives. For a high-resolution copy of this image or others, contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria)

Hugh Anderson, one of the most prolific of all Australian historians, had a special interest throughout his long career:...
12/08/2026

Hugh Anderson, one of the most prolific of all Australian historians, had a special interest throughout his long career: popular folk songs, ballads and comic songs from the earliest colonial times through to the twentieth century.

Held in honour of Hugh Anderson, you are invited to join Dr Andrew Lemon as he looks back at some of these colonial works and explores the theme of what these songs and verses continue to tell us about real life as lived in Australia. In particular, Andrew will revisit colonial musical theatre and the goldfields songs and performances of Englishman Charles Thatcher, the man Anderson dubbed 'The Colonial Minstrel'.

đź“Ť In-person and online
🗓️ Tuesday 18 August, 5.30 – 7pm
🎟️ RHSV members $10; non-members $20
More information and bookings at https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/event/hugh-andersons-many-minstrels/

This image from our collection has long been a favourite of many – but until now, it was only known as, "Unknown woman r...
11/08/2026

This image from our collection has long been a favourite of many – but until now, it was only known as, "Unknown woman riding horse on Exhibition Street".

Today, we are pleased to share that the woman has been identified – she is unknown no more!
Meet Isa Taylor.

She was the daughter of Joe Taylor, who traded in the CBD from around 1906 as Joe Taylor the Tailor. The photo was probably taken in the early 1920s, rather than 1929 as we had previously thought.

A well-known businessman and master of self-promotion, Joe Taylor had businesses in Bourke Street and Swanston Street with branches in Brunswick, Footscray, North Melbourne and Richmond until the mid-1920s. Isa Taylor, we were told, would often ride into town.

Thanks to Cheryl Griffin and Sally Guerin for the ID.

Image: S-25

Gals, gals,Glorious gals,Beautiful, beautiful, beautifulScrumptious young gals Scrumptious young gals thanks to free emi...
06/08/2026

Gals, gals,
Glorious gals,
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Scrumptious young gals

Scrumptious young gals thanks to free emigration
Out to this country for husbands you fly;
On Mrs. Chisholm, we look with great veneration,
Because she’s kept up such a constant supply.

Five years ago and how dull was this quarter,
And how monotonous, too, was this life;
The sight of a female then made our mouths water,
And only rich diggers could pick up a wife.

Gals, gals,
Glorious gals...

On face value, "Scrumptious young gals" could be dismissed as a b***y 1850s pub song – but that would be a mistake. The song contains a wealth of information about the lifestyles, values, and society of the Victorian Goldfields.

Published in 1857 by travelling minstrel Charles Thatcher, this song reflects how things were changing in the Victorian goldfields: the number of women on the goldfields was climbing. Growing prosperity created stability as encampments became full-fledged townships, and a sense of civility gave some order to what could be unruly pockets of society. Thatcher also name-drops an important figure: Mrs. Chisholm, an immigration reformer and humanitarian whose life work was aiding immigrants reach Australia.

It's details like these that make Thatcher's songs such a rich record of goldfields life. We invite you to join us on 18 August to hear Dr Andrew Lemon talk on colonial musical theatre, with a particular focus on the goldfields songs and performances of Charles Thatcher.

Using works by prolific Australian historian Hugh Anderson, whom this lecture is honouring, Dr Lemon looks back at these works and explores the theme of what these songs and verses continue to tell us about real life as lived in Australia.

đź“Ť In-person and online
🗓️ Tuesday 18 August, 5.30 – 7pm
🎟️ RHSV members $10; non-members $20
Bookings at https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/event/hugh-andersons-many-minstrels/

Image: “Concert room, Charlie Napier Hotel, Ballarat, June, '55, Thatcher's popular songs” watercolour by Samuel Thomas Gill (1818-1880).

- On August 5, 1850, the Australian Constitutions Act received Royal Assent from Queen Victoria, giving approval to se...
05/08/2026

- On August 5, 1850, the Australian Constitutions Act received Royal Assent from Queen Victoria, giving approval to separate the Port Phillip District from New South Wales to create the Colony of Victoria.

It took months for the news to travel back to Australia, with the information finally becoming public knowledge on November 11, sparking four days of celebrations across Melbourne. The Separation would officially come into effect on July 1, 1851.

Crafted in late 1850 in honour of the November announcement of Separation, the medallion pictured was struck by English polymath Alfred Ronalds during his time in Geelong. Ronalds issued an accompanying notecard dutifully explaining the meaning of each detail:

The Bird–with the crown pendants–is made to represent New South Wales as a mother country, dropping the boon of Self-Government into the open mouths of the young Colony of Victoria.

The Butterfly–leaving its chrysalis–is symbolical of birth of the new Colony, Victoria, leaving its husk behind and fleeing to partake of the sweets of a new generation.

The Bird–escaped from its cage–represents Victoria escaping from the bonds of control, with all the vicissitudes of life, soaring on the wings of liberty into the expanse of Nations.

The hands–clasped across the waters–show that although the waters of the River Murray divide us, the hearts of the people are still united.

The Sun in the centre–which is the Geelong crest–is seen to shine alike, on “Maternal affection,” “The birth of a new Colony,” “Liberty,” and the “United hearts of the people.”

Text around the outside reads, “HOW SWEET IS LIBERTY. MATERNAL AFFECTION. SEPARATE BUT STILL UNITED. ADIEU.”

The reverse of the medal is much simpler, featuring delicate curving botanicals, a crown, and central text that reads, “Commemorative of the Great Charter of Self Government granted to the Colony of Victoria 1850”.

Only 100 of these medals were struck. It is not known how many of them survive.

Images of the medal come from Museums Victoria; the explainer card from our own collection.


Image: VF 003656

According to the script on the back of the photo, this display of mannequins dressed in bridal gowns was taken in 1936. ...
31/07/2026

According to the script on the back of the photo, this display of mannequins dressed in bridal gowns was taken in 1936. The display shows off complete bridal outfits, including matching sets for the bridesmaids and also a similar dress for a flower girl.

The image was captured by the Commercial Photographic Company, which ran from the early 1930s by Lyle Fowler (1891–1969).

PH-970393

What a delight it was to host Debra Parry from The Ephemera Society as she presented "Cartes de Visite, Cabinet Cards an...
29/07/2026

What a delight it was to host Debra Parry from The Ephemera Society as she presented "Cartes de Visite, Cabinet Cards and Albums" to a packed room.

Debra gave a wonderful talk on the establishment of popular photography and how it evolved from the palaces of European royalty to create a booming industry of cartes de visite and richly ornamented photo albums.

As an extra thrill, the session was visited by Alissa Duke, the artist behind the hero image for Rare Book Week 2026. She stood quietly at the back of the room working her artistic magic to sketch the scene before her. Visit Alissa Duke Art to see the finished artwork.

Thanks to the organisers and attendees who took part in Rare Book Week 2026. We can’t wait to do it again next year.

Address

239 A'Beckett Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+61393269288

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