The Redcliffe Historical Society Inc was formed in I967 to preserve and document the history of Redcliffe and District.
Founding president and Moreton Bay Regional Councillor James Houghton's interest in the Peninsula’s past was sparked when he realised that despite being the first European settlement in Queensland the area had nothing to show for it. As a young man he saw how historic buildings and artefacts were disappearing and set out to establish a society by holding a public meeting at Redcliffe Council Chambers.
From its inception the society developed a collection including a wide range of objects, textiles and documents and ran a museum for over 28 years. After leasing various premises and faced with the challenges of collection conservation in less than ideal buildings, the collection was transferred to council custodianship. Redcliffe Museum - a professionally designed museum managed by Redcliffe City Council was opened in 2001 in the renovated Sacred Heart Memorial Church.
Financed by Redcliffe City Council with the help of society funds it preserves and exhibits the
Society's historic collection.
An active partnership with the council has ensured the survival of the collection and provides room and space for society activities. In turn society members volunteer at the museum and contribute to exhibitions and visitor services.
In 2017 on the eve of the Society’s 50th year celebrations, the Society’s new name` History Redcliffe` and logo was officially launched.
History Redcliffe is now focusing on ways to develop and promote local history research and attract younger members. A few of these strategies are a greater community focus, and the use of social media and podcasts. A strategic plan developed in 2014 initiated a name change from Redcliffe Historical Society to History Redcliffe. The aim of the strategic plan was to lift the profile of the organisation and in the words of president Errol Deller 'to blow away the dusty historical society image'.
The Society undertakes research, publishes local history books, postcards and DVDs and conducts regular historic walks. Monthly meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 2 pm with a guest speaker A newsletter - Humpybong and After is published every three months.
The society is also active in advocacy. It has successfully lobbied for archaeological assessments and protected heritage sites in the area, including the Old Cattleyards in the Botanic Gardens. Through its endeavours Comino's Arcade and Woody Point Memorial Hall are now on the Queensland Heritage Register.
Society members are currently working to establish a Heritage Precinct in collaboration with Councillors and Council staff.
The Society researches and publishes a quarterly newsletter, `Humpybong and After` and from time to time also publishes books and brochures about Redcliffe’s history. The Society is also able to provide tour guides for the `Henry Miller Trail Walk` as well as
minibus tours of the Redcliffe Peninsula.
To celebrate the founding of Redcliffe as the first European settlement in Queensland, History
Redcliffe is conducting `Redcliffe Remembers 1824-2024 Picnic in the Park this September 14 2024 at Corscadden Park Redcliffe.` This event centres around the arrival of Lt. Henry Miller on the 14th September 1824 at what is now Redcliffe, along with 20 soldiers of Britain’s 40th Foot Regiment, including others, as well as their families and 29 convicts.
Interested in joining this pro-active group and thus becoming part of `History Redcliffe`
The History Redcliffe official website is at: historyredcliffe.com.au
To join click on the following LINK or email info@historyredcliffe.com.au
The Redcliffe Museum is located at:
ph (07) 3480 6700
History Redcliffe is listed on the wall of the Redcliffe Wall of Fame:
A collection of portrait and information honouring the achievements of individuals who have influenced and shaped Redcliffe. The collection is in the Jetty Arcade at 139-141 Redcliffe Parade.
For a complete list of people who appear on the wall click on the following blog post:
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