Preserving
Our History

Since the Goulburn River first attracted white settlers to this area almost 200 years ago, floods have posed a threat to the community. For the Seymour and District Historical Society (SDHS), flooding is just one of the ongoing threats to its collection. This vulnerability was demonstrated during the 2022 Seymour floods when several significant items and all of the Society’s office equipment were destroyed.

Public Record Office Victoria
Funds Digital Records Project

The State Government's Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) administers the Local History Grants Program, which helps community organisations preserve, record and share local history. In 2023, the SDHS received funding through this program to digitise its extensive collection of documents, photographs, and objects.

The grant has enabled SDHS to begin digitising its collection and establishing systems to support long‑term preservation. This will reduce the risk of loss or deterioration caused by natural disasters and everyday handling. It also improves accessibility: once digitised and catalogued, items can be safely stored while remaining readily available for research, reference, and community engagement.

This project represents a major undertaking that will continue over several years. The support provided by PROV has allowed SDHS to acquire equipment and build the foundations for an ongoing digitisation project, including improved cataloguing processes and secure digital storage.

The grant reflects the importance of our local history and recognises the role SDHS plays in documenting, protecting, and sharing the heritage of the Seymour district. PROV’s support has strengthened the Society’s capacity to safeguard its collection and ensure that it remains accessible for future generations.

The Seymour and District Historical Society gratefully acknowledges the Local History Grants Program and Public Record Office Victoria, supported by the Victorian Government.