Blue Mountains Historical Society is committed to preserving and researching all aspects of the history of the Blue Mountains. In addition, we are the custodians of Tarella Cottage, a late 19th century holiday cottage built for the McLaughlin family, whose permanent residence was in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.

Tarella Cottage, the beginnings of the Hobby’s Reach Research Centre and the extensive grounds were bequeathed to the Society by Miss Beryl McLaughlin when she passed away in 1988. Tarella itself contains an interesting range of furniture and household goods typical of the period in which it was constructed.

The Hobby’s Reach Research Centre has, stored within its archives, an extensive collection of photographs, documents, maps and other materials connected to the history of the Blue Mountains. The Society continues to develop a significant collection of files relating to buildings, people and events connected to the Upper Mountains especially. Some of these files have resulted from research that has been undertaken by Society members over the years. Other files have been developed from various sources, such as the media.

Members of the community often ask the Society to undertake research to find out more about the history of their houses, their families or events that have occurred in the Blue Mountains. Such requests can be made in person or by ringing the Society and leaving a message if the phone is unattended. An email enquiry to BMHS will also put people in touch with a researcher who will help.

Blue Mountains Historical Society has assembled a large library of books and papers related to the history of the mountains and elsewhere, including bound paper copies of the Blue Mountains Gazette dating back to its founding in 1963. Some other papers and journals are also available in either hard copy or in microfiche. Many of the books may be borrowed by members. Organisation, maintenance and recording of our resources is the central focus of the work of many of our volunteer members.

In addition to undertaking to preserve and examine the history and heritage of the Blue Mountains, we also strive to communicate this history to both members and interested members of the public through our newsletters, public talks and historical excursions. We invite both current members and interested members of the community to contact the Society to find out more about joining our Blue Mountains Historical Society Team to assist us in working towards achieving these objectives.

Philip Hammon – President