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Well suited to the Colony: Queanbeyan's early days from 1835

] Come along to this fascinating talk by Gillian Kelly. Tuesday 13 June 5pm for 5.30pm at the Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest. Free parking from 5pm.
Please support CDHS with an end of financial year donation! BSB 633 000, Account 146 738 141 and your name plus 'donation'. Thankyou!

Welcome to the Canberra & District Historical Society

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Canberra and its surrounding district. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

Founded in 1953, our Society aims to bring Canberra's unique history to you. The society's objectives include encouraging, collecting, researching, preserving, promoting and publishing the history and heritage of Canberra, the surrounding district and the relationship of the national capital with the rest of the country.

This web site helps you find out about the history of Canberra and district through our unique collection and links to other significant sources.

Use the Search function and the navigation links to access our comprehensive catalogue and the rest of this web site.

We wish you an interesting journey into the history of Canberra and district.

King O'Malley laying the Foundation Stone in 1913. CDHS photo 3737
King O'Malley laying the Foundation Stone in 1913. CDHS photo 3737

Glebe House (above)

Glebe House was the rectory for St John's Church, Reid. It was demolished in 1956 despite the CDHS campaign to save it. CDHS photo 993 (no date).

ACT Heritage Grant

The development of this website was supported with funding made available by the ACT Government under the ACT Heritage Grants Program.

100 and 200 years ago....

In April 1821, Charles Throsby reached the Murrumbidgee River near Pine Island in Tuggeranong.

On 31 December 1921, Prime Minister Billy Hughes removed Walter Burley Griffin from his position directing the construction of Canberra.

For more events see Time Line (Chronology of the ACT) |

Jefferis and Whelen Journal

The Jefferis and Whelen Journal in our collection is listed in the ACT Heritage Register.For more information see the Guide to the CDHS Collection|

CDHS is a Registered Charity

This means donations of $2 or more are tax deductible!