Hamilton History Centre

Hamilton History Centre is a research facility located in Hamilton, and whose main purpose is to collect, preserve and catalogue the region’s records.

Additionally, the centre allows people to research their genealogies and make sense of their family history.

As expected, the centre has a vast collection of local history, records and photographs. This collection has over 2000 items that also include cemetery records, war records, parish maps as well as information on community amenities such as schools, churches, shops and businesses. It is also fascinating to learn that the centre is home to records that explain the process of German settlement many years back. There are also many sporting and club records available.

Some of the items on display can be viewed in the Rippon Room which may be viewed during the gallery’s operational hours. Visitors may also view the collection at other times provided an early appointment is made.

In addition to the collection, the centre also houses the local dailies and Shire records provided on microfilm for posterity sake. There is a library on-site from where interested visitors can learn more using the resources made available. These resources include, among others, CD ROMs and microfiche. For visitors interested in carrying out research, Hamilton History Centre welcomes enquiries from visitors and residents.

The centre remains open daily between 2pm and 5pm with the exception of Saturday. Note too, that the centre remains closed for Easter, Christmas and New Year holidays in addition to public holidays. For interested locals, there are meetings on the second Tuesday of each month.

There are costs for certain services at the centre including an hourly rate of $10 for assisted research or $5 for use of the centre’s resources with minimal help. Various publications are also available on sale at the centre and may be delivered by mail order.