The Malvern Historical Society Inc was formed in 1973 to advance the study of all aspects of the history relating to the area formerly known as the City of Malvern, now part of the City of Stonnington.

The historical assets of the Malvern Historical Society Inc, the Prahran Historical And Arts Society Inc, Stonnington Council (and its predecessors the Cities of Malvern and Prahran) and the Stonnington Library and Information Service have been combined to form the Stonnington Local History Collection. This Collection is now the property of the City of Stonnington and the Collection’s management is the responsibility of the Stonnington Local History Service. The Stonnington Local History Collection provides residents and donors with long-term security for their donations.

The subsequent partnership that has been formed between Council and the Malvern Historical Society and the Prahran Historical and Arts Society ensures the preservation and quality management of the City’s cultural heritage.

The Stonnington Local History Service handles all local history inquiries from Council staff and the community as well as referrals from the local historical societies.

There are two special collections of historical material, one in Malvern, the other in Prahran. The holdings of these Archives include the collections of the Malvern and Prahran Historical Societies and miscellaneous records from Prahran, Malvern and Stonnington Councils.

Included in the collection are photographs, building and subdivision plans, maps, ephemera, newspapers, conservation studies, theses, council reports, research notes etc. The Archives holds a small reference collection of books. Requests for information from students, researchers and family historians are welcome, though where possible users should first check the catalogues. Copying of photographs and building plans and requests for house dating are popular services provided to local residents (fees apply).

Postal Address:
P.O.Box 184 Malvern Vic 3144