Footscray Historical Society was founded in 1968. For 50 years Ercildoune has been their headquarters. The Society’s volunteers serve the community by collecting, preserving and making accessible the local history of the City of Maribyrnong area.

Since the local council amalgamation, Footscray Historical Society’s domain has expanded to include all the suburbs of the City of Maribyrnong:- Footscray, Yarraville, Seddon, West Footscray, Kingsville, Maribyrnong, Tottenham, Braybrook and Maidstone.

Students and members may undertake independent research at Ercildoune, free of charge.

Visitors to Ercildoune requiring help with research are charged $11 per hour. A fee of $22 applies when written responses to research queries are issued by email or sent by post.