Celebrate Kiama’s amazing heritage
Visit the Pilots Cottage Museum, Blowhole Point
Treat yourself to a fascinating trip down memory lane. Learn how Aboriginal people and white settlers have made their mark on the local area. Find out more about the marks left by cedar gatherers, farmers and miners.
Discover Kiama’s leading history society
See how local people are fighting to defend the area’s heritage buildings and places, and celebrating the history of the area. Why not join up and become part of a growing movement that cares about our neighbourhoods?
Find out more about our local history
Find helpful hints on where to look for more information on the history of the area now known as the Kiama local government area. This includes on the Internet, and names of helpful organisations.
Historical Society News
Longstanding President of Kiama Historical Society Sue Eggins had her contribution recognised in June 2025. She was inscribed on the NSW Honour Roll as an official ‘hidden treasure’ at a ceremony led by Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.
Sue has been instrumental in the continuing success of the organisation over several decades. Well done Sue!
The recent series of ‘Who do you think you are’ on SBS includes an episode tracing Gina Chick’s family history. Her famous ancestor Charmian Clift has a strong connection to the Kiama area, so the program is a good source of local information.
Kiama Historical Society’s Vice President and Treasurer Tony Gilmour features as one of the local historians providing information to Gina.
Click here to view the episode.
Latest Publication
Dr Tony Gilmour’s 286 page book with over 90 historic images tells the thrilling tale of hotels in Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong. From the first hotels in 1837 to the present day, drinking venues have shaped social life and character.
Kiama was once a place of ‘besotted and shameless drunkards’, Bombo hosted an illegal ‘sly grog’ shop and Kiama’s 1899 great fire led to mass bingeing on stolen alcohol.
Click on the book image or below to buy the book for $29.90 + 50c booking fee (local delivery is free). All profits go to Kiama Historical Society
Events
Our popular monthly speaker events are held at the Kiama Library auditorium and attract a good crowd. After the presentation is a chance for questions, then afternoon tea
Tony Gilmour & Aunty Joyce Donovan: Aboriginal Kiama
Over the last year Dr Tony and Dr Joyce have worked to transform the way the Pilot’s Cottage Museum tells the story of Aboriginal and Colonial Kiama. They will share fascinating stories of our past, for so long hidden.
Who would have thought - before European settlement Minnamurra was the most important place in our locality. Kiama was a mere stopping-off place. What changed, when and why?
Encounter King Mickey Johnson. Anointed at Wollongong as ‘king’ of the Illawarra in 1896, he was the arguably the most photographed person in nineteenth century in this region, Aboriginal or settler. Yet his wife’s tale, of Queen Rosie, is even more remarkable.
Saturday 25 October 2025 at 2.00pm: Kiama Library Auditorium. $3 Members of Kiama Historical Society / $5 Non-Members. Includes afternoon tea
Tony Gilmour: Kiama Historical Society at 50
The historical society was established in 1975, so come along and celebrate at our 50th birthday party!
Tony will launch his new book Celebrating history, defending heritage: fifty years of Kiama Historical Society. The book brings to life why the Society was established and how we fought hard to win control of the Pilot’s Cottage which was threatened with demolition or being turned into a fast food takeaway.
The Society has long fought to protect the heritage of Kiama and surrounding areas, defending our built and natural environment. We have had many successes, sometimes by working behind the scenes and other times protesting loudly.
Hear how the Society has brought history to life, from fashion parades to costumed re-enactments. And after 50 years we remain one of the largest and most vibrant voluntary organisations on the south coast. Something to celebrate.
Saturday 22 November 2025 at 2.00pm: Kiama Library Auditorium. $3 Members of Kiama Historical Society / $5 Non-Members. Includes afternoon tea
Volunteers and members thank-you
Friday 28 November, 4.00pm at the Pilot’s Cottage. Please come along and enjoy a social afternoon and meet our volunteers and catch up with members.
Christmas drinks
Friday 5 November, 5.00pm at Yves Social, Sebel Hotel rear-bar area for our combined Christmas Drinks with Friends of Kiama Library. Please come along and enjoy a drink or a coffee. It’s happy hour too!
Previous events - time to Podcast!
Our friends at Kiama Community Radio (KCR) have many of our recent events recorded as podcasts. Click on the images below to go to the Podcast.
