Celebrate Kiama’s amazing heritage
Visit the Pilot’s 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 quarry workers.
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.
Kiama Historical Society (KHS) celebrated 50 years in 2025 but there’s no sign of us slowing down! We now have a record 206 paid and life members, making us one of the largest voluntary organisations in the area. We had great feedback from Suzanne Holohan, Chief Executive of the Royal Australian Historical Society:
“I warmly congratulate your Society on reaching more than 200 members, an achievement that places it among the top 8% by membership size of our 367 affiliated historical societies across NSW. This recent growth is a great sign of KHS’s energy and community support, and we look forward to seeing KHS continue to contribute to our understanding of the people and places of New South Wales”.
Historical Society news
Volunteering update
More records have been broken. We now have 30 local heroes who open the Pilot’s Cottage Museum to visitors and share fascinating local knowledge. Please email Tony Gilmour if you’d like to join the team.
A local hero recognised
We're very proud the Society's inspiring president Sue Eggins has been named 2026 Kiama Electorate Woman of the Year. Well done Sue!
According to the nomination papers: she has 'transformed the way Kiama celebrates and preserves its cultural heritage. Sue has led the Kiama Historical Society since the mid-1980s and oversees the Pilot’s Cottage Museum, which houses local heritage artefacts accessible to the entire community. Through compelling storytelling and tireless advocacy, Sue has helped enrich Kiama's cultural identity'.
Events
We’ve a packed program lined up for the the first few months of the year. Alongside our traditional speaker events, we’re out and about visiting historic buildings. A great chance over coffee (or something stronger) to connect with friends old and new.
A night at the museum: the Harbour Pilots’ story
Tony Gilmour. Tuesday 31 March, 5 pm for 5.30pm start, Pilot’s Cottage Museum, $10
Afterwards a complimentary glass of wine or beer, and finger food will be served
From 1881 to 1978 Kiama Harbour was controlled by a Pilot who lived with his wife and children in what is now our museum. Tony will tell of the Pilot’s important job and how it contributed to Kiama’s success and prosperity.
After Tony’s initial presentation he and Sue Eggins will lead two tours, one inside and one outside the building. Visitors will be able to access rooms not open to the public.
Numbers for this event are limited so please book tickets using the button below
Morning tea and talk at historic Barroul House, Kiama
Sue Eggins. Wednesday 25 March, 10 am, Rubia Petal cafe - Barroul House
$15 KHS members only. Includes tea or coffee and cake
Over three decades Sue Eggins and Kiama Historical Society have fought to save this beautiful historic building. After being allowed to fall into disrepair, it is now a cafe.
Sue will tell the story of how the heritage battle was finally won after a long, hard struggle with State Government agencies. Sue was even a protestor on Terralong Street!
Numbers are limited to 25 due to space limitations so please email Sue or phone her on 0413 486 979 if you will be attending. Bookings close on 18 March
Jamberoo: from industrial centre to dairy pioneer
Stuart Richards. Saturday 18 April, 2 pm, Kiama Library Auditorium
$3 KHS members, $5 guests. Includes afternoon tea. No pre-booking required
The quiet rural village of Jamberoo may seem far removed from the bustle of industry today, yet in earlier times it was a community of considerable importance - once even larger than neighbouring Kiama.
In this fascinating presentation, local historian Stuart Richards explores the village’s remarkable past. The district once supported a thriving industrial centre at Woodstock, where early enterprises contributed to the growth and prosperity of the region. Over time, the area transitioned into a centre of dairy production, with Jamberoo farmers pioneering a number of innovations that helped shape the industry.
Stuart will also outline how he and other local residents are working to share and preserve this rich heritage through a series of displays that bring the story of Jamberoo to life.
Werri Beach: celebrating 100 years
Geoff Webb. Saturday 16 May, 2 pm, Kiama Library Auditorium
$3 KHS members, $5 guests. Includes afternoon tea. No pre-booking required
President of Gerringong & District Historical Society Geoff Webb will take us on a journey to Werri Beach. This iconic beachside location north of Gerringong was first subdivided for housing a century ago.
Based on research for a new book, Geoff will showcase the neighbourhood’s stories, people and places. This is the first in-depth study of a suburb in the Kiama Council area.
Pre-sale copies of the book can be ordered here. They will also be on sale on 16 May at the Kiama event.
An exhibition linked to the book is open at the Gerringong Library and Museum from 14 to 24 April. A special opening night event will be held on Wednesday 15 April - tickets here.
Latest publications
Dr Tony Gilmour, our vice president was busy writing during 2025!
Celebrating history tells how for over five decades Kiama Historical Society has brought to life fascinating stories from the area’s past. It has battled to preserve valuable local heritage against demolition and insensitive development.
Read all about Kiama’s legendary figures the Society has helped rediscover. From progressive writer and colourful character Charmian Clift to legendary Hollywood multi Oscar winner Orry-Kelly.
Click on the book image or button to buy the book for $25 + 50c fee (local delivery is free). All profits go to Kiama Historical Society
Published March 2025 Tony’s 286 page Rascals and respectables book 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. This is LIMITED EDITION, most copies have already been sold.
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 fee (local delivery is free). All profits go to Kiama Historical Society
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.
