General News
12 December, 2025
Historical society turns 60
The Maryborough Midlands Historical Society celebrated their 60th anniversary this year.
Custodians of local history don’t often make history, but they did this year, as the Maryborough Midlands Historical Society celebrated their 60th anniversary.
Founded to preserve local history on behalf of the community, the historical society has collected an expansive collection over the last six decades.
From shelves of fragile newspapers, to photos and historic records, the community group has grown to be an account of the community reaching far into the region’s past.
Championing that legacy as the longest serving committee member is Margaret Harrison.
A lifelong love of history carried Ms Harrison to an annual meeting in 1972 and, to her surprise, saw her put on the committee where she’s been ever since.
“They roped me in,” she said.
Then a young woman, Ms Harrison said she never expected to still be a part of the group after 53 years.
But the joy of discovery, for herself or when helping others, meant she’s always enjoyed it.
“It’s so gratifying when you can find information,” she said.
While the community group call a cottage on Palmerston Street home, this wasn’t always the case, a history Ms Harrison has lived and catalogued across two books.
“Long before we had any of these buildings we didn’t have a home ... we met at the town hall, we met at the high school, met in people’s homes,” she said.
“They were always looking for a place.”
In 1975 they purchased a cottage built by Arthur Worsley in 1894, named Worsley Cottage by the group, through community and council support.
Ms Harrison said a permanent address was a major milestone for the historical society.
People could now donate or loan their pieces of local history, from objects through to documents and photos, amassing the collection they have today.
“It was a whole new world,” she said.
It’s a resource Ms Harrison said is valuable to the town but can go unappreciated.
“Some people, some families, don’t see the importance of say their family photos and ... they’ll throw them down a mineshaft or just burn them or whatever,” she said.
“They might think they’re not interesting but they’re of people and that’s what’s really important.”
It’s a mission statement Ms Harrison hopes will be carried forward for decades to come.
Anyone interested in learning more can visit the Maryborough Midlands Historical Society in-person during opening hours or by visiting their website mmhs.net.au