Hawthorn Historical Society

16/10/2026

Have you ever wondered about the history of your house, street, school, shop or another Hawthorn building?
Bring your question to Hawthorn History Week and talk to one of the Hawthorn Historical Society’s researchers.
We may know the answer — or at least where to start looking.
Hawthorn History Week begins Monday.
11am - 2pm
Library Lounge, Hawthorn Arts Centre,
360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn

14/10/2026

For over twenty years the talented artist Margaret Picken created pen-and -ink drawings of houses that appeared in newspaper advertisements and real estate brochures. By 2005, digital photography and internet advertising had taken over and Margaret has generously donated her work to the relevant historical societies of Boroondara. The Hawthorn Historical Society now holds hundreds of her original drawings some of which are on display at an exhibition at the Camberwell Corridor Camberwell Library from 28 September to 8 November.
We also have a mini exhibition of her work in our rooms- 25 Inglesby Road, Camberwell and will have some of her work on show at the Hawthorn History Week.
For further information about this art work read the story of our website. https://www.hawthornhistoricalsociety.com.au/drawing-hawthorn-margaret-picken-and-a-disappearing-profession/

13/10/2026

Nine seats left.

Three remarkable women. Three very different lives. All with strong connections to Hawthorn.

Meet Dame Kate Campbell, Doris Blackburn and Nancy Weir, and discover how their lives open a window onto the wider contribution women have made to Hawthorn through medicine, reform, education, civic life and the arts.

Women of Influence will make the case for a fuller history of Hawthorn, in which women’s work is recognised as part of what shaped this community.

Thursday 22 October | 12.00–12.45 pm
Library Lounge, Hawthorn Arts Centre
360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
Tickets $10 — bookings essential
Book: https://www.trybooking.com/DOOBF

Part of Hawthorn History Week, 19–23 October 2026.

Discover the lives of three of Hawthorn’s extraordinary Women of Influence-Dame Dr Kate Campbell, Doris Blackburn and Nancy Weir- and learn more...

09/10/2026

There are buildings we walk past hundreds of times without knowing what happened there.
Businesses that disappeared.
People whose stories have almost been forgotten.
And familiar streets that once looked very different.
Come and take another look at Hawthorn during Hawthorn History Week.

19–23 October 2026
11am-2pm
Library Lounge, Hawthorn Arts Centre
360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn

09/10/2026

Have you spotted James, our Treasurer, doing flyer drops down streets around Glenferrie Road? They are a wonderful reminder of Hawthorn History Week. If you would like flyers to hand out before the Week starts, please get in touch: [email protected]

08/10/2026

THREE SEATS LEFT
DON’T MISS OUT

When was your house built? Who lived there before you? How has it changed?

During Hawthorn History Week, discover how maps, rate books, newspapers, photographs and other records can help uncover the story of a Hawthorn home.

The session includes the Hawthorn Historical Society’s How to Research Your Home guide, so you can continue the search yourself.

Wednesday 21 October | 11.00–11.45 am
Library Lounge, Hawthorn Arts Centre
360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
Tickets $10 — bookings essential
Book: https://www.trybooking.com/DOOAV

Then stay for our free Know Your History session from 12.00–12.45 pm. Bring one question about your Hawthorn home or street and our researchers will help you work out where to begin.

05/10/2026

Hawthorn’s history is not only found in archives.
It is also in the memories of people who lived here, went to school here, worked here, shopped here or simply remember how a familiar place used to be.
During Hawthorn History Week, add one of your memories to My Hawthorn Story.
A few sentences are enough.

19–23 October 2026
11.00 am–2.00 pm daily
Library Lounge, Hawthorn Arts Centre

04/10/2026

Book now! Don’t miss out. Learn more about three remarkable women with strong connections to Hawthorn. Dame Dr Kate Campbell, Doris Blackburn and Nancy Weir made a huge contribution through medicine, reform, education, civic life and the arts. Join Penny Underwood for a fascinating talk about how our collection and research brings Hawthorn history to life.

Thursday 22 October | 12.00–12.45 pm
Library Lounge, Hawthorn Arts Centre
360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
Tickets $10 — bookings essential

Book: https://www.trybooking.com/DOOBF

Part of Hawthorn History Week, 19–23 October 2026.

03/10/2026

Hilda and Henry had a morning out with our historian Liz Yewers at Camberwell Parkinsons Support Group. There they helped spread the word about Hawthorn History Week, membership and what the Society does to preserve and protect the history of Hawthorn.

02/10/2026

How well do you really know Hawthorn?
During Hawthorn History Week you can test yourself with 52 Fun Facts about Hawthorn — people, places, buildings, businesses and some rather unexpected pieces of local history.
Some will be familiar. Others may surprise you.
19–23 October 2026
11.00 am–2.00 pm daily
Library Lounge, Hawthorn Arts Centre