Tracing the Footsteps of
Blue Mountains' History

The Blue Mountains Historical Society was established in 1946 by the Blue Mountains Council, later moving to the historic cottage Tarella, which is now used as a museum and is open to the public on the last Sunday of each month from January to November. The Society is housed in a modern building with research rooms, library, kitchen and meeting rooms adjacent to Tarella.

HISTORICAL TARELLA COTTAGE MUSEUM

Come visit our museum, open to the public on the last Sunday of earch month from January to November

HOBBYS RESEARCH CENTRE & LIBRARY

The Research Centre’s normal opening hours are each Tuesday and Friday from 10.00am to 2.00pm from mid January to mid December

Unlock Your Home's History

Discover the stories behind your historical property with our donation-based research. Whether you’re a new owner or a history buff, we’ll help uncover the secrets of your house or building’s past.

National Trust Heritage Festival – A Social History of Scenic World by Phil Hammon

May 9, 2026 10:30 am

As part of the Blue Mountains Historical Society’s contribution to the National Trust Heritage Festival, Phil Hammon will talk about the Social History of the

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BMHS Management Committee Meeting

May 15, 2026 10:00 am

BMHS Management Committee meets on the 3rd Friday of every month. Any member interested in supporting the work of the Society by joining the Committee

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BMHS May Excursion – Vaucluse House and Vaucluse Environs

May 20, 2026 8:00 am

Our May Excursion will visit one of the most interesting and significant early houses in Sydney. Following the inspection of the house, lunch will take

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RECENT POSTS

The Mclaughlins & Tarella, a talk by Robyne Ridge 11/04/2026

The Anzac Day march in Sydney, 1992, as live broadcast by the ABC, digitised from a VHS tape

Dr Catherine Bishop spoke on the topic “Fish Without Bicycles”. This lecture focuses on local Blue Mountains women who earned their own money, independent of men,

The Show Must Go On – The History of Piano players in the Blue Mountains by Colin Semmler. /2/2026

January 2026 Members’ Newsletter

1813: A Tale that Grew in the Telling. A Treasure in the BMHS Library

Blue Mountain Lookouts – A talk by Keith Painter.

Capturing the Past

Our historical photo archive is a treasure trove of visual history, encompassing snapshots of daily life, iconic landmarks, and significant events that have shaped the area over the years. Members gain access as a part of membership. 

Shop our range of Posters & Books

Excursion fees for Bus Hire and Organisation Expenses

$30.00

John Britty North – Merchant, Mine Owner & Stockbroker

$35.00

Platinum-Blue Mountains Historical Society at 70

$25.00