The Hills is full of history, from the Castle Hill Rebellion of 1804 which was Australia’s first convict uprising (on the site of the present Heritage Park), through to Bella Vista Farm where Elizabeth Macarthur bred Australia’s first merino sheep.
There are many more stories and tales to be told and here in The Hills we are lucky to have an organisation devoted to preserving the stories of the local community: the Hills District Historical Society (HDHS). The society was founded in July 1967. Councillor Fred Caterson and Bob Martin were two of the early pioneers of the society who formed it from a concern that historic buildings along with built and written records were vanishing without trace.
Over the decades, HDHS has evolved from a small group of heritage advocates into a vibrant museum and research centre. Initially housed in the basement of the old RSL club in Castle Hill, its collection moved in 2007 to the Powerhouse Discovery Centre.
In 2010, it found a permanent home at Building 10 of the former William Thompson Masonic School in Baulkham Hills, now Balcombe Heights Estate. The History museum, which is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month between 12pm -3pm, offers a window into daily life from the early 1800s onward, displaying farming implements, household artefacts, schoolroom items and convict-era relics.
Visitors and researchers can explore thousands of photographs, written history records, and more within a well-curated archive. Thematic exhibits—covering agriculture, woodworking, fashion, and domestic life—transport one back to the humble origins of the Hills, where oats and orchards once dominated the landscape.
The Society also hosts monthly guest speaker meetings and educational tours. Through community donations and dedicated volunteers, HDHS ensures that local history and stories remain alive— preserving tools from pioneer farms, school desks of yesteryear, wartime memorabilia, and everyday clothing of early settlers.
From its origins in 1967 to its ongoing mission today, HDHS remains committed to safeguarding the Hills District’s tangible and intangible heritage. By fostering community engagement, offering genealogical research support, and celebrating local milestones, it stands as a testament to the enduring value of place-based history.
I have visited the museum on multiple occasions, and with each visit, I discover something new and unique about the history of The Hills. There are often times when I am called upon to learn more about a part of The Hills and a great place to start is the HDHS. Robert, Pam and their team of volunteers volunteer so much time into the society for the benefit of preserving our Shire’s history. The museum is definitely worth a visit!
For more information on visiting hours, publications, or membership opportunities, please email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page.
