Founded in 1962, the Donald History Group works actively to record, preserve and publish all facets of their local district history.

The Group have several facilities in which to hold and display their assets:

The Court House Museum – Located in Woods Street, Donald (next to Post Office). The Court House is the Group’s meeting place and houses regular displays of interest.

The Agricultural Museum – Situated within the showgrounds and fronting onto Hammill Street, the Agricultural Museum houses a large number of historical machines used in the district. Everything is displayed undercover and is visible at all times. Some of the machinery was manufactured by local blacksmiths.

The Old Police Camp – This is a wonderful facility and can be viewed by appointment. Listen to a mounted policeman instructing a recruit, view and hear the saga of a man in the cells. Also on the grounds is a Blacksmith’s Shop, a Shepherd’s Hut, a Brick Oven, historical Wagon Sheds, wagons, chaffcutter and tip-dray.

Donald District Archives – The Donald History Group have two adjoining buildings in Woods Street to hold the majority of their assets. This is your first port of call when researching your ancestors or pioneers. Holdings include:

• The Donald Express Newspaper 1882-1896
• The Donald Times Newspaper 1882-1995
• The Donald Birchip Times Newspaper 1875-
• Buloke Times 1996-2003
• Photographs
• Microfilms of newspapers to 1926
• R P Falla: Records of Shire of St Arnaud Council Meetings 1861-1991 (3 volumes)
• Archives Committee: Boxed materials (catalogues) 1863-; Vertical files 1863-
• Local newspapers 1912-
• Births Deaths and Marriages and Post Office Guides 1835-1940
• Victorian Government Gazettes 1856-1910
• Personal records, files of local families, local plant specimens and bird lists.
• R P Falla: Selectors in parishes of Donald and surrounding districts.
• Publications of local history – list available.

Archives Opening Hours. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 am – 4 pm