About The Blue Mountains Historical Society

The Blue Mountains Historical Society was established in 1946 by the Blue Mountains County Council, later moving to the historic cottage Tarella which is now used as a museum and is open to the public several times a year. The Society is run by volunteers through a Management Committee, and also has a modern building housing the research centre, a library and meeting rooms.

Hobby's Reach research centre and the historic cottage Tarella are two hidden treasures situated on the original road over the Blue Mountains constructed by William Cox in 1814. They are situated in one and a half hectares of gardens and grounds.

The Society holds monthly meetings when a speaker gives a talk of historical interest.

Benefits of Membership

Members are encouraged to take part in the varied activities of the Society.

Members are invited to:

* Research history
* Catalogue documents and artefacts held by the Society
* Maintain the Society's buildings and grounds
* Cater at meetings and open days
* Guide visitors through Tarella on open days
* Or simply join in the good fellowship with other members.

Membership Fees
Fees are due on the 1st July.
Individual $25, Family $40, Junior $5, Corporate $60
Download our membership form (Word document or PDF format).

Meetings
Monthly meetings are held at Hobby's Reach on the first Saturday of each month from February to November, at 10am, when there is a guest speaker. Tea and coffee are served from 10am. and a light lunch is available after the meetings.

Excursions
Monthly excursions to places of historical interest, in the Blue Mountains and further afield, are held on the second Monday in most months.

Newsletter
Hobby's Outreach, published bi-monthly, keeps members advised of coming speakers and activities.

Publications

Society Publications cover Wentworth Falls, the McLaughlin Family and the Blue Mountains Historical Society.
Member Publications include a variety of titles covering the Blue Mountains and general history of Australia.

All books are sold in the Tarella Cottage shop.

 
Tarella 1910, Ada McLaughlin with her two daughters and friends

 
Museum grounds