Celebrate Kiama’s amazing heritage
New Publication
Dr Tony’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
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.
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
Andrew Wilson: The history of golf in Kiama.
The presentation will take a look at the various iterations of Kiama Golf Club which have occurred over the past 122 years including the early years at Chapman Point, a brief period at the High School site and the last 90 years at Minnamurra.
We will review some of the anecdotes and reports of interesting events and people who have shaped the club over the years as well as some photos from all 3 sites. We will also touch on some of the challenges faced by a very amateur historian in finding, filtering, fact checking, recording and presenting historical information.
Saturday 21 June 2025 at 2.00pm: Kiama Library Auditorium. $3 Members of Kiama Historical Society / $5 Non-Members. Includes afternoon tea
Tony Gilmour & Aunty Joyce Donovan: Aboriginal Kiama
Over the last nine months Tony and Joyce have worked to transform the way the Pilots 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 12 July 2025 at 2.00pm: Kiama Library Auditorium. $3 Members of Kiama Historical Society / $5 Non-Members. Includes afternoon tea
Orry-Kelly gala event
The Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala honours the legendary costume designer’s exceptional career and achievements, celebrating his legacy right here in his hometown of Kiama.
Orry-Kelly is a Kiama born, three time Academy Award winning costume designer with credits on over 300 Hollywood films working with stars like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis and Katherine Hepburn.
The event coincides with Orry-Kelly being awarded one of the NSW Government’s prestigious Blue Plaques, which will be unveiled on a wall of The Sebel. The gala also marks the tenth anniversary of the 2015 documentary Women He’s Undressed, which chronicles his life and career.
The film’s screenwriter, Katherine Thompson, and producer, Damien Parer, will be in attendance to share their insights and celebrate Orry-Kelly’s legacy. Australian legend and director Gillian Armstrong is also scheduled to attend, with confirmation closer to the event.
This Hollywood Glamour-themed evening will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, featuring a selection of Orry-Kelly’s original costumes and artwork, a panel of industry experts, a Hollywood-inspired live performance from a dance troupe, and much more.
Saturday 26 July 2025 at Sebel Hotel. For tickets click here
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.
