History Unlocked
In Portable Police Lockups, authors Allan Stute and Bob Tomkins uncover the story behind the small wooden cells that once dotted goldfields, townships, and remote police outposts across the state. Drawing on rare surviving structures, especially the Broadford lockup, the authors reveal how these portable buildings were crafted, transported, repaired, and used during the colony’s most turbulent decades.
Richly illustrated and meticulously researched, this book offers an extraordinary look at everyday justice in 19th-century Victoria.
Make a Date with History — Our 2026 Calendars Are Here!
Our 2026 Broadford and District Historical Society Calendars are now on sale. Same price as last year $15, great present for Christmas for that someone who has everything. Information on photos, and large date spaces. A great keepsake!
Available from Historical Society on Wednesdays between 10 and 2.30 or email us if you wish to have it posted at – broadfordhistorical@gmail.com
Also available for purchase from the Broadford Newsagency or Post Office.
The Broadford and District Historical Society covers the districts of Broadford, Strath Creek, Reedy Creek, Tyaak, Sunday Creek, Glenaroua, Flowerdale, Glenburnie, Dry Creek, Sugarloaf Creek, Clonbinane, and Tallarook.
The Society was formed in 1968 with the aim of fostering historical interests and knowledge of this district. We protect local historic buildings, and collect and preserve items and records of historic interest. We run a small museum and conduct genealogical research.
We work in association with Heritage Victoria and we are affiliated with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. We also conduct fundraising activities for the fulfilment of these aims.
The Broadford and District Historical Society Inc is an incorporated society.
Our museum, research centre, and general office are located in the Alison Tomkins Reserve at 110 High Street Broadford.
Museum
Our museum includes buildings, objects, documents, and memorabilia of local and national significance.
Our collection is available to view with assistance from our volunteers.
We encourage school tour groups, and we are open to the public every Wednesday between 10.30 am and 3.00 pm.
Local History
Broadford is a small rural town 74 km north of Melbourne with a population of approximately 3000 people.
Before white settlement the Taungurung people inhabited the district. Hume and Hovell made camp nearby in December 1824 while seeking an overland stock route south from NSW.
The town itself began to grow in the 1850s as a staging point on the old Sydney road. It developed as a timber town and as the centre for grazing and agricultural activities.
Research and Preservation
Our volunteers meet every Wednesday throughout the year to contribute to a wide range of projects that preserve and share our local history.
This includes developing and maintaining a comprehensive resource library, recording and preserving historic documents, photographs, and memorabilia, and supporting genealogical and family history research for those tracing their local roots.
Get Involved
New members are welcome to join the Society and get involved in one of our many ongoing projects!
