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The Douglas Shire Historical Society

The Douglas Shire Historical Society meets on the first Monday of every month, alternately in Port Douglas and Mossman at 2pm. We visit historic sites and hear presentations on local history. We encourage our members to research and present their findings or to share old photos.

Join the Society for a subscription of $10 p.a. or $15 for a family. To download a membership form click here for all other enquiries click here.

What the Society does:

  • Operates the Court House Museum, Port Douglas (you are welcome to join the roster as a volunteer attendant)
  • Conducts historic walks for groups along the heritage trail in Port Douglas
  • Researches and publishes local history books and bulletins
  • Collects local history papers, historic photographs and oral histories
  • Prepares and mounts poster displays for schools and the community
  • Promotes signposted historic walks in Port Douglas, Mossman and Daintree Village


Our latest projects are:

  • Researching the location and recording details of old farm machinery in our area
  • A database of graves in the Port Douglas cemetery is in preparation
  • A guided walk through the Mossman cemetery is being researched

Resources & Credits

Many of the images contained on this site are from the State Library of Queensland, which holds the world's largest collection of photographic material relating to the history and development of Queensland and are credited as such.

Other reference sources are suggested for research:

Warning. This site may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Islander people now deceased.
It also contains links to sites that may offend some viewers

Map of the region

Click to enlarge

Latest News

 

MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW DUE

Unfortunately we have been unable to have our Annual General Meeting, but memberships are now due.

They are $10 a single and $15 couple.

Please deposit to

Bendigo Bank 

BBS no 633 000

Account  121863286

DSHS Inc.

Or hand them to Anne, Annette or Freda.

New members are welcome. Please email infodouglashistory.orgau with your contact details.

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 WATCH OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

EACH DAY IN JUNE AND JULY

extracts from Lieut James Cook's journal will be published, as he sailed up our Queensland coast, naming and charting important landmarks exactly 250 years ago. 

Also included will be comments from botanist Joseph Banks and extracts from various publications, along with artworks.

https://www.facebook.com/Douglas-Shire-Historical-Society-541365725977589

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PUBLICATIONS ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR SALE

While you have time at home, why not learn more about the Shire you live in?

Many publications are available for sale from the Publications tab on this site, and there are also various fascinating articles and time lines here.

You can email or msg any questions you have about our history too.

Society members may not be at the museum at the moment, but are always available to share our history with you.

This is the time to improve your knowledge of the history of where you live.

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Court House Museum

Will re-open soon 

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It is wheelchair accessible with a portable ramp kindly donated by John and Jocelyn White

Like our Facebook page.

We also have two blogs on line: 

infodshs.wordpress.com

and

www.DouglasShireHistory.wordpress.com

Visit the Port Douglas
Court House Museum

Wharf Street, Port Douglas
(beside the Police Station)

Open Tuesdays, Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays
From 10am to 1pm
Click to download brochure

Portable wheelchair ramp available, please ask the volunteer on duty.

Society's Awards