About the Cairns Historical Society
The Cairns Historical Society is Far North Queensland’s leading community archive, research centre and museum dedicated to the region’s social history.
Established in 1958, the Society is a registered charity and operates as the only not-for-profit community social history repository with a premier museum of its size outside Brisbane. It manages one of the most significant regional collections in Australia, comprising more than 100,000 items across three major collections: archives, images and objects.
The Society delivers accessible, interdisciplinary public programs through the:
- Cairns Museum, offering engaging exhibitions and curriculum-aligned learning experiences
- Research Centre, providing access to the collection and leading best-practice collection care, management and research in a tropical environment
The collection covers a wide geographic area, from Cardwell in the south to the Torres Strait in the north, and west to Normanton and beyond. They include original documents, photographs, maps, oral histories and personal accounts that reflect the diverse communities and layered histories of the region.
Beyond the Museum and Research Centre, the Society also operates the History on the Move education trailer and contributes to regional research, community heritage projects and truth-telling initiatives.
Its operational funding is proudly supported by Cairns Regional Council through a Resource and Performance Agreement.
Our board and team
The Society is governed by a volunteer Management Board, in accordance with the Constitution of The Historical Society, Cairns, North Queensland Inc. (adopted 14 October 2021). Our board members bring expertise across history, education, governance, arts, business and cultural heritage.
An Executive Officer, a small employee team and a dedicated group of approximately fifty volunteers enable the Society’s facilities and programs to operate on a daily basis.
Current board
President | Dr Clive Skarott AM
Vice President | Mark Kamsler
Secretary | Dr Jan Wegner
Treasurer | David Goodman
Board Member | Dr Nicky Horsfall
Board Member | Megan Lilly
Board Member | Karen Oakes
Board Member | Dr Sarah Collins
Board Member | Dr Tahnee Innes
Our vision
To be a leading best-practice Historical Society and Museum, which acknowledges, collects, preserves and disseminates the unique history, culture and heritage of Far North Queensland’s vibrant and diverse community through discoverable, accessible and engaging experiences.
Our mission
To collect, preserve, conserve and share our collection of archival documents, images and objects that are significant to the history of Cairns and Far North Queensland
To curate and manage a leading museum and cultural tourism experience in Far North Queensland for locals and visitors alike
To provide a membership-based organisation that is welcoming, vibrant, diverse and inclusive for all members, staff, volunteers and visitors, delivering social benefit to the wider community
To make Far North Queensland’s stories, history and heritage accessible and discoverable to a global audience through creative solutions and digital innovation
BOOK AN APPOINTMENTResearch Centre
Book an appointment to visit the Research Centre – the Collection holds more than 60,000 items covering an area from Cardwell to Bourke Shire.
EXPLOREPhotographic Collection
Seeing is believing - the Cairns Historical Society’s collection catalogue has been assessed as nationally significant for its extensive visual record of Far North Queensland.
Need help with research?
Enquire to:
Research:
E: research@cairnsmuseum.org.au
