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.
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
Helen Laidlaw: On Wadi Wadi Country from the mountains to the sea - new book launch
Helen’s book has taken her 10 years to write and is set in a little known area of Kiama called Willow Gully.
It explores both the lives of several First Nation Families and early European Families who lived in this area. These two groups are deeply intertwined with Kiama and the surrounding areas. Some of the families are the Longbottoms, the Dixons, the Weston/ Johnstons and the Pike Families. One of the most amazing stories is about King Mickey and Queen Rosie.
The cover of the book features Queen Rosie in a photo from the November 1927 Sydney Morning Herald. She is smoking a pipe. Noted Kiama writer, author and Journalist
Bruce Elder will be launching Helen’s book. Afternoon tea and a glass of wine will follow. You are in for a very interesting afternoon!
Saturday 17 August 2024 at 2.00pm Kiama Library Auditorium. $3 Members of Kiama Historical Society / $5 Non-Members
Nick Hartgerink: Blue Haven, the First 40 Years
Nick Hartgerink is a writer and journalist, and a Kiama resident. He came to the region in 1977 as a communications graduate to work at the Illawarra Mercury, and worked at the newspaper for the next 24 years and became the editor.
From 1985 to 1992 he also worked as publicist and Australian manager for Wollongong’s world champion motorcycle racer Wayne Gardner. During that time Nick wrote two books about Gardner, including a best-selling biography Gardner: A dream come true published in 1989 by a division of Random House that was also translated into Japanese.
The history of Blue Haven is his eighth book. It provides a detailed history of Kiama's Aged Care facility and the old Kiama Hospital site.
Saturday 14 September 2024 at 2.00pm Kiama Library Auditorium. $3 Members of Kiama Historical Society / $5 Non-Members
Malcolm Bedford: Bombo quarry walk
Bombo Quarry Headland Geological Site is one of the most recognised landmarks in and round Kiama due partly to the unusual headland shape as a result of many years of quarrying the basalt columns. It is now a spectacular walk which is mostly flat but quite rocky and is about 5kms in total. It is a photographers' dream and the location of many movies, TV adverts, video music clips, study groups and painting groups.
Come and hear from Malcolm stories about its history and mysteries. The site of the infamous drinking club, several tragedies, the work done by Management and by Sydney Clift to keep it open during the Great Depression. Interesting features include: The Southern Wharf, the Boneyard Wharf with its railway tracks, the new steps, crashing waves and the wildlife.
Come prepared for the weather, bring a drink, strong shoes and sun protection. Looking forward to hearing some of your ideas for the future of Bombo Quarry on the other side of the Highway.
Saturday 26 October 2024 at 2.00pm meet at the car park North end of Bombo Beach. $3 Members of Kiama Historical Society / $5 Non-Members
Christmas Drinks for Pilot Cottage Volunteers and KHS Members
The Society is always grateful to our volunteers, past and present. This function is an opportunity to meet informally for drinks and snacks.
All members of the Historical Society are welcome to attend. Food and drinks provided. Please RSVP Sue 0413 486 979, text or leave a message or email smeggins48@gmail.com for catering purposes
Friday 29 November 2024 at 4.00pm Pilots Cottage Museum