The Berrima District Historical and Family History Society was founded in 1960 to encourage the study of Australian, local and family history and to establish a museum and a permanent archive for the preservation of the documentary and material heritage of the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

The collection covers the major towns of Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Robertson and Bundanoon and the many villages in the area including Avoca, Aylmerton, Balaclava, Braemar, Berrima, Burrawang, Canyonleigh, Colo Vale, Exeter, Glenquarry, Hilltop, Kangaloon, Penrose, Sutton Forest, Tallong, Wildes Meadow and Wingello.

The local historical records and photographs include:

• Manuscript collection including the Parry Papers, an important local history resource
• Biography files for hundreds of local families, including family information, press cuttings and photographs
• Photographic collection of local people and places

Local reference material, including, for example:

• Birth, death and marriage, probate and immigration indexes
• Local newspapers in hard copy and on microfilm
• Building files on local houses and public buildings
• Cemetery transcriptions for the Southern Highlands District.
• Parish and other maps, subdivision plans and various land and property records
  Rate books

The Society’s Image Library contains more than 8,000 images of people and places relating to the area and beyond. Photos are gradually being uploaded to the collection, so keep checking to look for newly available images. High-quality copies of all photos are available for purchase through their online shop.

Open Mondays and Tuesdays: 10 am to 4 pm. Saturdays: 10 am to 1 pm. Other times by appointment

Charges apply for email research enquiries.

Postal Address:
PO Box 131 Mittagong NSW 2575