Preserving Local Stories Since 1873

Founded in the early 1960s through the passion and commitment of the local community, the Shepparton Heritage Centre stands as a proud custodian of the region’s rich and diverse history. At its heart, the Shepparton History Museum brings these stories to life, preserving the people, places, and moments that have shaped Greater Shepparton. It is more than a collection of the past, it is a shared community legacy, built by locals and for locals, offering a place to reflect, reconnect, and take pride in the region’s journey.

A living landmark at the heart of Shepparton’s story

At the heart of the museum is The Institute Hall, Shepparton’s oldest surviving public building, constructed in 1873 by William Fraser. This historic landmark has served many roles throughout its lifetime, including a Catholic Church, Law Court, Steam Printer’s Office, Plumber’s Workshop, and Public Hall. Today, it provides a fitting and historically significant home for our museum, which celebrates and preserves the stories that have shaped our local identity.

A modern museum bringing Shepparton’s history to life

Explore stories that shape 0ur community

Our thoughtfully curated permanent and rotating exhibitions explore key themes in local history such as immigration, settlement, industry, war, and community life, ensuring there is always something new to discover. Interactive displays provide meaningful learning opportunities for school groups, families, and community organisations, encouraging a deeper connection to the people and events that have shaped Shepparton and its surrounding districts.

Heritage Research & History Hub

Discover your story

The Heritage Research & History Hub, located beside the Shepparton History Museum, is a trusted community resource for exploring and preserving the history of Greater Shepparton. Established in 1984 as the Shepparton Family History Group, the Hub has grown into a central space for genealogical and local history research, now operating as part of the Shepparton Heritage Centre.

Supported by a knowledgeable team of volunteers, the Hub offers access to a wide range of resources, including birth, death, and marriage records, newspaper archives, cemetery registers, school and church histories, and military and immigration records. Visitors can also receive guidance and support for personal or community research projects.

With a focus on preserving stories and supporting discovery, the Hub plays an important role in connecting people to their past while safeguarding the region’s history for future generations.

Resources & records available

Birth, Death, and Marriage Records
Census and Electoral Rolls
Cemetery Registers
Church Records and Histories
Compiled Family Histories and Biographies
Convict Records
Digitized Archives and Digital Records
Heritage Maps & Plans
Immigration and Shipping Records
Local and Regional Histories
Microfiche Collections
Military and War Service Records
Newspaper Archives: Shepparton News, Shepparton Advertiser, and other regional publications
Pioneer Registers
Post Office Directories
Records Organized by Locality
School Registers and Histories

History Hub fees & opening hours Make a research enquiry

OUR VISION

Preserving the past to inform the future

OUR MISSION

Collecting, archiving, curating, promoting and displaying heritage items of significance to increase the understanding of the heritage of the region of the City of Greater Shepparton.

Operating a high-quality boutique size museum on the significant heritage site at 154 Welsford Street Shepparton.

Present heritage exhibitions, education and research services to promote the heritage and history of the Greater Shepparton community.

Vision & Mission Annual Report

A community legacy preserving Shepparton’s history

Founded in the 1960’s through the enduring commitment of the Shepparton community, the Shepparton Heritage Centre (SHC) remains a vital custodian of the Greater Shepparton region’s rich and diverse historical collection. Shepparton History Museum, thoughtfully developed around The Institute Hall—Shepparton’s oldest surviving building, constructed in 1873 by William Fraser. Over the decades, this historic landmark has served various community purposes, including as a Catholic Church, Law Court, Steam Printer’s Office, Plumber’s Shop, and Public Hall. The SHC is a dedicated facility for the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Shepparton’s unique heritage.

Bringing the past, present, and future together

We celebrate Shepparton’s cultural identity, historical significance, and strong community spirit while contributing to the region’s growing cultural tourism sector. Our mission goes beyond preservation to actively promote the past, engage the present, and support the future of Greater Shepparton. The museum holds a dynamic and expanding collection of more than 7,000 historical items, brought to life through carefully curated permanent and rotating exhibitions. Interactive indoor and outdoor displays create meaningful learning experiences for families, school groups, and community organisations, fostering a lasting connection to the stories of Shepparton and its surrounding districts.

PDF Download: Our History PDF Download: Forester’s Hall History

Our board

A community built legacy, strengthened by people, purpose, and a shared commitment to preserving Shepparton’s story for generations to come.

The Shepparton Heritage Centre was founded through the dedication and collective effort of the local community and continues to play a vital role as custodian of Greater Shepparton’s historic collection. Guided by its renewed purpose, Preserving the Past to Inform the Future, the Centre is committed to safeguarding, interpreting, and sharing the region’s history for the benefit of the wider community.

Through a renewed Executive Committee and the tireless dedication of volunteers, the Centre undertook a careful process of transformation. Incremental improvements restored stability and rebuilt confidence, supported by the ongoing trust of the community, the Greater Shepparton City Council, grant providers, local benefactors, and philanthropic partners. As a volunteer-driven organisation, this passion and expertise remain central to its success.

As the organisation strengthened, a comprehensive review of governance and organisational arrangements was identified as essential for long-term sustainability. At the Annual General Meeting in November 2024, an Organisational Review Steering Committee was established, comprising Executive Committee representatives and four invited community members with diverse professional expertise. The review confirmed the need for a renewed structure and clear strategic plan.

In response, a new strategic plan was implemented, supported by updated Board and Committee structures built on strong volunteer participation and bottom up processes. These changes ensure volunteers remain at the heart of the organisation, while strengthening governance, accountability, and strategic direction.

On 7 April, the Executive Committee formally transitioned to a Board governance model. The new Board comprises ten members, supported by an Executive Officer and Administrative Support. Existing Executive Committee members transitioned to the Board, joined by four co-opted members selected for their specialist skills. This structure provides a strong foundation for effective governance and leadership, supporting the ongoing preservation and celebration of Greater Shepparton’s shared heritage.

A community legacy preserving Shepparton’s history

The Shepparton Heritage Centre Inc. operates under a formal Constitution based on the Consumer Affairs Victoria Model Rules. The Constitution clearly defines our purpose, governance responsibilities, membership structure and decision-making processes. You can request a copy of the Constitution by contacting us.

Incorporated Association

The Shepparton Heritage Centre Inc. is a registered Incorporated Association in Victoria (Registration No. A0127474V), established as a formal, legal entity for the operation of a not-for-profit community organisation. As an incorporated association, the organisation exists as a separate legal entity from its members, enabling it to own and manage assets, enter contracts, and providing limited liability protection for its members.

Registered Charity Status

The Shepparton Heritage Centre Inc. holds registration as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). This registration demonstrates our commitment to transparency, good governance and the responsible stewardship of community resources. As a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation, we use our charity status to ensure that donations, grants and community support directly support the preservation, protection and sharing of Greater Shepparton’s rich heritage for future generations.

Australian Taxation Office

Shepparton Heritage Centre Inc. is registered with Australian Business Number (ABN) (74 664 151 590), registered for goods and services tax (GST) and endorsed as a deductible gift recipients (DGRs) are entitled to receive donations that are deductible from the donor’s income tax. This means when a donor makes a gift or contribution to a DGR endorsed charity, they may be able to claim a tax deduction.