About Us

THE ORIGINAL ROCHESTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY WAS FORMED IN 1967.

In 1986 the new Rochester Historical & Pioneer Society was established after amalgamating with the already existing Pioneer Society. The original land and the building known as the Common School built in 1874 was gifted to the Historical Society by Mrs. Ross. The building was classified "C" by the National Trust in 1972.

Other buildings on the site include the 1926 Salvation Army Hall relocated here in 1987. A large Machinery shed built by the Historical Society houses farm machinery and a large collection of tools. The Common School has been renovated a number of times, first in 1986 by the Shire of Rochester, again after the devastating flood of 2011 by grants from the State Government and Shire of Campaspe. 2015 saw the complete restoration of the outside of the building including a new roof and damp course. This restoration made possible by a State Government grant and grants from the Shire of Campaspe.

Our Services

Our Volunteers can assist you with research into District Families History and
Our Museum Complex of four buildings is open to the public Open 9 - 12 noon Wednesday & Friday Or by Appointment

HISTORICAL DISPLAYS

• Dairying
• Early Farm Machinery
• Early Family Life Items
• Early Businesses
• Sporting Clubs
• Early Records and Maps

Family History research

For a small fee our Volunteers can assist you with research into families history, using the Records held at the museum

RECORDS HELD AT THE MUSEUM

• Closer Settlement Land Records
• Rochester Cemetery
• Sporting & Recreation Clubs
• Honor Rolls WW1 & WW2
• Photos and Family Histories
• Digitised Rochester "Express" Newspaper from 1874 to 1920 - with word search enabled
• Early Businesses in Rochester
• Very early Maps of the area Early Births, Deaths & Marriages

BECOME A FRIEND

For a small donation you can become a "Friend of the Society," you will receive a quarterly newsletter, Free entry to the Museum Complex and you will be helping to support the Society to maintain Rochester and district history.

Issue 26 - April 2020 Newletter



Contact Us

Rochester Historical & Pioneer Society
96 - 98 High St Rochester Victoria

Open 9 - 12 noon Wednesday & Friday Or by Appointment

Group Bookings Welcome Bus tours, Clubs Organizations School Groups Visits can include Lunch or Devonshire Teas by arrangement

Lorraine Haines 03 54842556
John Foster 0409842233
Margaret Harley 03 54841759
E-mail j-lfoster@bigpond.com