• The Bulahdelah and Districts Historical Society was formed after a concerned group of locals met back in May 1982 and wanted to preserve the unique history of the Bulahdelah area. The inaugural meeting of the Society was held at the old courthouse on the 26th May 1982.
  • The Bulahdelah & Districts Historical Society was formed and set about making collections of artefacts, photos, written documents and a vast array of items from farming utensils to cooking gear. Much of this came from the late Merv Richards (the 1st President of the Society) collection. Something for which we will be eternally grateful. Early members included Merv Richards, Jean Onley, Ted Baker, Les Madden, Betty Bramble, Hazel Towers, Ivy Smith, Colin and Mary Weir.
  • The Society mainly covers the Bulahdelah Area and includes the small villages of Coolongolook, Bungwahl, Markwell, Nerong and Boolambayte as well as the Myall Lakes itself.
  • The Courthouse Museum now houses the collection and is the base of the Society with thanks to the Great Lakes Council. The Museum is made up of the main court building as well as the old kitchen/ laundry (being the original magistrate’s residence) as well as the cells and holding courtyard area. The police also used the complex as staff residence up until just after the courthouse functions ceased in 1973. The Society boasts a fine garden surrounding the Courthouse complex.
  • The Society has a fine collection of historical photos most of which have been digitised covering the local timber industry, alunite mining and village infrastructure like bridges, roads and buildings etc. It also has special displays from time to time –well worth a look!
  • Family histories of many of the pioneer families are also housed at the Museum
  • The Society provides a scanning and printing service for old photos and documents as well as a video/DVD conversion. Research is available on the internet and can be assisted with a cost recovery fee applied on request.
  • There is a resource library available at the Courthouse Museum as well as access to some historical databases.
  • People are welcome to join the Society with meetings held every 2 months normally on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 2pm at the Museum
  • The Society also runs activities during the year with historical talks, display, and attendance at the local Bulahdelah Show; film nights from time to time. Also there are regular fundraising events like street stalls and guided tours.