On Friday 14 May 1965, a meeting was held in the Bayswater Public Hall where it was decided that a Shire of Knox Historical Society should be formed. The beginnings were humble as the Society initially operated from members’ homes and a barn house on Ferntree Gully Road.

Fifty years later, what started as a small group of residents concerned about preserving Knox’s history has grown into one of our most important and influential local societies.

Today the group operates from Ambleside Park in Ferntree Gully, and is home to Knox’s most extensive archive of historical artefacts, photographs and documents.

It also operates Knox’s only accredited museum with displays and exhibits that are open to the public. They also host regular school group talks and presentations, and have compiled a vast library of publications that tell the story of our city.

Today Graham Hansen and a dedicated committee oversee the society, and do some tremendous work in keeping the story of Knox alive. Clearly our history is in safe hands.

To celebrate their 50th Anniversary the society is hosting a celebratory lunch at The Knox Club on Sunday 13 September.
Guest speakers will include Karin Orpen and Bill McAuley.
Members of the public are invited to book their tickets for this event by contacting the Society on 9758 6722.

Karin Orpen