The Gerringong area was first settled in the late 1820s, initially by cedar cutters. As the land was cleared, dairy farming became the predominant industry, and remains so to this day. The town of Gerringong was officially proclaimed on January 17th, 1854.
The GDHS operates a museum, situated in Blackwood Street, Gerringong. The opening hours of the museum are Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm, with additional openings on Tuesdays and Thursdays (same hours) during NSW school holidays.
Blackwood Street is the first street on the right (travelling south) at the top of the hill in Fern Street. The Church of England is on the SW corner of this intersection.
The museum contains a number of static displays featuring models and photographs of interest to local historians. Of particular note are the models of early Gerringong buildings constructed by Eric Wagstaff, the photographic record of motor racing on Seven Mile Beach in the 1920s, and the display on the local dairying industry.
As well as these displays, reference items are available for consultation, including the Gerringong Pioneer Family Index and Gerringong Landholders Returns 1885. Further research items are being progressively added as they are compiled.
A computer is now available in the Museum, providing access to a full database of Pioneer Family descendants, and also Birth, Death and Marriage records relating to the Gerringong area, and to areas such as the Richmond River which have a strong connection to Gerringong Pioneer Families.
Mail for the GDHS can be sent to PO Box 108, Gerringong 2534.
The Secretary can be contacted on (02) 4234-1876, or by email at
GDHS Secretary.
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| A NOTE ON GST Because of the administrative overheads involved for a society of volunteers, the GDHS advises that it cannot accept orders on invoice for a total amount of less than One Hundred dollars. Orders for any amount accompanied by full payment (cash, cheque or money order) are always welcomed. |
The following publications are available from the Museum at Gerringong, by mail from the GDHS at the address above, or by email from the Secretary.
"GERRINGONG INDEXES 1885-1891" Contains an edited and consolidated list of entries from four contemporary documents relating to the Gerringong area:
1885 Parliamentary Return of Landholders
1885-86 Electoral Roll
1890-91 Electoral Roll
1891 Census Collectors' Books
Prices:
"GERRINGONG MUNICIPAL COUNCIL - ROLLS of ELECTORS and RATEPAYERS" Contains an edited transcription of the surviving Council Rolls. Covers the 1914-1934 period and lists over 1600 names, with addresses and electoral qualifications.
Prices:
Hardcopy: $10.00 + $4.00 p&p
pdf on CD: $10.00 + $2.00 p&p
pdf by email: $10.00
"A GERRINGONG FENIAN" The story of John O'Neil GOULDING and the Fenian uprising in Co. Kerry in 1867. John was subsequently transported to Australia on the last convict ship, and is buried in the Gerringong Cemetery.
Prices:
Hardcopy: $10.00 + $4.00 p&p
pdf on CD: $10.00 + $2.00 p&p
pdf by email: $10.00
"GERRINGONG 1903" contains biographical and genealogical details of all individuals listed in the 1903 Commonwealth Electoral Roll for the Gerringong area. Includes the Gerringong polling place, plus parts of the Berry and Broughton Village polling places. 432 entries in total.
Prices:
Hardcopy: $15.00 + $4.00 p&p (*** sorry, sold out ***)
pdf on CD: $15.00 + $2.00 p&p
pdf by email: $15.00