Hawthorn History Week 2026 – your invitation to step into history

Hawthorn History Week 2026 runs from Monday 19 to Friday 23 October 2026, daily from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm at the Library Lounge, Hawthorn Town Hall, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn.

Hosted by the Hawthorn Historical Society, the week offers a welcoming space to explore exhibitions, talks, photographs and local stories that reveal how Hawthorn has evolved and the people who have shaped it.

Across five days, visitors can browse displays, speak with researchers, uncover hidden histories and contribute their own memories and experiences. Whether you are a long-time resident, new to the area or simply curious, there will be something to discover, connect with and enjoy.

Throughout the week, exhibits from Old Hawthorn, Fresh Eyes and Women of Influence— will be on show, offering different ways of looking at Hawthorn’s past. Visitors can also explore historic photographs and highlights from the Society’s collection, test their knowledge with 52 Fun Facts about Hawthorn, browse local history publications and add a memory to My Hawthorn Story.

Have you ever wondered who lived in your house before you, why your street looks the way it does or what stood on a familiar corner a century ago? Bring a question, photograph or memory and talk with our researchers. You can stay for fifteen minutes, spend time exploring the exhibitions or join one of the week’s talks.

Talks during History Week

Oct 20 – How Hawthorn Changed from Village to City
On Tuesday 20 October, historian Liz Yewers presents How Hawthorn Changed from Village to City, from 12.00–12.45 pm. Follow Hawthorn’s remarkable transformation from a riverside settlement into a thriving municipality, and discover some of the developments that shaped the community we know today.
Tickets: $10
Book through TryBooking⁠

Oct 21 – Discover the Story of Your House
11am
On Wednesday 21 October, Liz presents Discover the Story of Your House, from 11.00–11.45 am. Learn how maps, rate books, newspapers, photographs and other records can help uncover the history of a Hawthorn home. The session includes the Society’s How to Research Your Home guide.
Tickets: $10
Book through TryBooking⁠

12pm
Later on Wednesday, Know Your History runs from 12.00–12.45 pm and is free. Bring one question about your Hawthorn home or street and our researchers will help you identify where to begin. You can also find out about the Society’s $25 house history research service.

Oct 22 – Women of Influence
On Thursday 22 October, Women of Influence takes centre stage from 12.00–12.45 pm. Discover the lives of Kate Campbell, Doris Blackburn and Nancy Weir, and the contribution women have made to Hawthorn through medicine, reform, education, civic life and the arts.
Tickets: $10
Book through TryBooking⁠

Monday is an opportunity to meet the Society, explore the exhibitions and discover more about our collection and work.
On Friday, we round out the week with another chance to browse the displays, ask questions, contribute a memory and celebrate Hawthorn’s history.

Hawthorn History Week 2026 is proudly supported by the City of Boroondara, with valued support from Kay & Burton. Their support helps us bring Hawthorn’s history into a public space and make it accessible to the wider community.