GET INVOLVED

    The Cairns Historical Society is a volunteer – run organisation. Volunteers are at the heart of all our operations, including the Cairns Museum, the CHS Research Centre and our Schools Program. Members and supporters help us care for the collection and share this regions amazing history

    Cairns Museum volunteer at front desk smiling



    Volunteer

    The Cairns Historical Society is a proud volunteer-run organisation.



    Membership

    Find out more about Cairns Historical Society membership.



    Donate

    Learn more about donations and the Society’s bequest program.



    Sponsorship

    Without the support of sponsors and valued partners, our work would not be possible.

    Do you care about our history and want to help share it?

    The Cairns Historical Society is a proud volunteer-run organisation. Our volunteers do everything from tour guiding, bookings, exhibitions and reception at the Museum, to cataloguing, data entry, collections management, conservation, photography, office admin and working with school children.

    We offer training for young people seeking to develop skills, older people looking to refresh skills or anyone looking to make contacts in a new community.

    We welcome new people and you don’t have to be an expert in history. A friendly attitude and a willingness to join in are all you need to start.

    volunteer@cairnsmuseum.org.au

    The Cairns Historical Society needs funds to care for our collections, keep our workplace safe for volunteers and to renew our museum exhibitions.

    The Society is a registered Charity and has ATO deductible gift recipient status.

    If you would like to make a tax deductable donation to the Cairns Historical Society, we would love to hear from you. You can donate directly using the button below. No donation is too small, as every cent is welcome.

    The Society also has a Sponsors program, which offers a range of benefits.

    If you would like more information, please email info@cairnsmuseum.org.au.  We will follow up and are very happy to respond to any questions or provide more information.

    The Society also has a bequest program and can provide information on how you can remember the Society in your will.

    Find out more:

    Enquire to:

    Sponsorship and Donation:
    E: info@cairnsmuseum.org.au
    Volunteering:
    E: volunteer@cairnsmuseum.org.au

    SPONSORSHIP - MAKING A DIFFERENCE

    Major Sponsor

    Cairns Regional Council.

    The Cairns Historical Society and the Cairns Museum are proudly supported by Cairns Regional Council.

    Platinum Sponsor

    MacDonnells Law 

    The links between MacDonnells Law and the Cairns Historical Society extend back to the earliest days of the Cairns Historical Society

    School Trailer Sponsor

    Ports North

    Ports North has been part of Cairns since 1906, when regional communities came together to secure the future of the Port of Cairns. 

    Supporters

    Patrons and Donors

    • Cairns Penny Savings and Loans
    • Dr Jonathon Richards
    • Bruce Henderson
    • The Koch Family & KIB Insurance Brokers
    • Patrick Shears
    • The Hon. Stanley Jones AO
    • The Kamsler Family
    • Beth Pearson
    cairns museum staff and volunteer handling historical artefacts in research centre
    cairns museum research centre worker at research computer smiling
    Cairns Museum volunteer and guest in the gift shop smiling
    cairns regional council
    The Cairns Historical Society and the Cairns Museum are proudly supported by Cairns Regional Council.

    Between 2015 and 2017, Cairns Regional Council invested $8.69 million into the renovation of the Cairns School of Arts and a further $1.6 million into the upgrade and refurbishment of the Cairns Museum and the Cairns Historical Society.

    Just as importantly, Cairns Regional Council provides operational funding to the Cairns Historical Society to support the operations of the Cairns Museum and the CHS Research Centre, as well as the management of the nationally significant CHS Collection.

    J The Cairns Historical Society and Cairns Museum work together with Cairns Regional Council to support and enhance the engagement of the Cairns community with the history, heritage and changing environment of Cairns.
    cairns regional council
    The Cairns Historical Society and Cairns Museum work together with Cairns Regional Council to support and enhance the engagement of the Cairns community with the history, heritage and changing environment of Cairns.
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    macdonnells law
    Founded in Cairns in 1884, MacDonnells Law is now one of Queensland’s largest independent law firms, with offices in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns. For 137 years, MacDonnells Law has advised a wide range of companies, government authorities and individuals, and prides itself on its innovative approach to client service, work practices, and market-leading thinking.

    Links between the Society and MacDonnells go back to 1958, when H.K.N MacDonnell became the Society’s first honorary solicitor. HKN also wrote 4 bulletins of local history for the Society and donated a range of local artefacts to the Museum.
    macdonnells law
    Founded in Cairns in 1884, MacDonnells Law is now one of Queensland’s largest independent law firms, with offices in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns. For 133 years, MacDonnells Law has advised a wide range of companies, government authorities and individuals, and prides itself on its innovative approach to client service, work practices, and market-leading thinking.

    Links between the Society and MacDonnells go back to 1958, when H.K.N MacDonnell became the Society’s first honorary solicitor. HKN also wrote 4 bulletins of local history for the Society and donated a range of local artefacts to the Museum.
    MacDonnells Law History
    CHS Bulletin #6, April 1959
    Ports North
    Ports North is a company embedded in the history of Cairns, with roots back to 1906 and the formation of the first Cairns Harbour Board. At this time, shipping was the only viable form of transport and a well-managed port was essential to future of this region.

    Today Ports North is responsible for the development and management of the declared Ports of Cairns, Cape Flattery, Karumba, Mourilyan, Skardon River, Quintell Beach, Thursday Island, Burketown and Cooktown.

    Shipments of sugar have remained a major export from the Port of Cairns but you won't see mangrove bark, tin or maize on the Cairns wharves. Today Ports North manages extensive marina and tourism facilities, in addition to project and general cargo.
    Ports North
    Shipments of sugar have remained a major export from the Port of Cairns but you won't see mangrove bark, tin or maize on the Cairns wharves. Today Ports North manages extensive marina and tourism facilities, in addition to project and general cargo.

    Find out more about Cairns Museum Sponsorship

    Enquire to:

    Sponsorship:
    P: (07) 4051 5582
    E: eo@cairnsmuseum.org.au