About Us
Ipswich Historical Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The Ipswich Historical Society was founded in October 1966 as a result of a recognised need in the community for the collection and preservation of the history and heritage of the Ipswich region. In July 1967, the Society began its search for suitable premises for meetings and to establish a Historical Museum.
The Society commenced collections of items of interest in February, 1969. On 2nd March 1982, the Society launched the book “Romance on the Bremer”. It was reprinted in 1992.
A patron of the Society was Life Member, Beryl Johnston until her passing in August 2021. Our patron, David Donald, passed away in May 2019. Claire Guymer, also a Life Member, accepted the invitation to become a Patron in October 2019.
In 1997 the Ipswich City Council purchased the property now known as Cooneana Heritage Centre at New Chum from FAI and after the Society commissioned a study of the project, an expression of interest was submitted to the Ipswich City Council. The Society was chosen as the successful bidder to develop the Cooneana Heritage Centre Project.
The Society first occupied the site in January 2000. In 2002 the Society achieved a formal agreement and lease for the site for 10 years with another optional 10 years. Ipswich Historical Society and Ipswich City Council have enabled several other community groups to locate at Cooneana Heritage Centre:
- Historical Motorcycle Club of Queensland Ipswich Area
- Ipswich Genealogical Society in Brigg House
- Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich in Brighton House
- Ipswich Mini-Crafters also met in Brighton House until they moved to the old Ipswich Courthouse in April 2024
- Queensland Metal Artisans Collective have a workshop on site.
These groups all work in cooperation with the Society.
In 2016, the Historical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary with a large Jubilee Open Day and the publication of "Ipswich Historical Society: The First 50 Years".
In 2018 the Society took part in Museums and Galleries Queensland Standards Review Program. Recommendations from the program are being implemented in the management of the museum.
Our Vision
To educate and inspire the wider community by promoting Ipswich history and heritage.
Our Mission
Through our passion for Ipswich we will research, promote, collect, record, preserve and display our history in an informative and collaborative manner, using suitable technologies and to the best possible standard.
Our Values
- Integrity
- Respect
- Continuous improvement
Cooneana Heritage Centre is a Covid Safe venue.
Visitors, members and volunteers are asked to stay at home if you answer 'yes' to any of the questions below.
Are you showing any of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Unusual tiredness
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhoea
- Conjunctivitis
- Rash on skin or discolouration of fingers or toes?
Have you had contact with anyone who is/may be positive for COVID-19?
We reserve the right to ask these questions when you arrive and to refuse entry should you have any of the above symptoms.
Thank you for your cooperation and helping to keep us all safe.