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 computerised database of Pioneer Family descendants is available at the Museum, 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.
The GDHS now has an official website, at www.gerringonghistory.org.au.
Mail for the GDHS can be sent to PO Box 108, Gerringong 2534.
The Secretary can be contacted by email at [email protected].
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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 MUNICIPAL COUNCIL 1871-1954" is a complete record of the makeup of the Council from its inception in 1871 to its amalgamation with Kiama in 1954. Contains details of every election, and individual details of all aldermen, plus the story of the 1911 fracas.
Prices:
pdf on CD: $15.00 + $2.00 p&p
pdf by email: $15.00
"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