Resources available for research

We charge a small fee for research of $15.00 for the first half hour and $15.00 per hour thereafter. If we find documents or photographs we charge $3.00 per electronic copy we email to you.

Photographs

The Museum holds over 12,000 photos, many of which are originals, dating back as far as the latter years of the 19th Century. We also have coloured paintings taken from some of our photos, which give a more lifelike view of the Valley’s past.

Newspapers

We keep physical copies of the Bellingen Courier-Sun newspaper, as well as microfilm of some copies of the Northern Courier, Raleigh Sun, Nambucca News and Seaboard Star.

Local History

Our history files contain much information relating to the settlements of Bellingen, Urunga, Raleigh, Fernmount, Thora and some surrounding areas.

 Family History

We have records relating to many of the Bellinger Valley pioneers and later settlers in our archives, including family photos, personal memoirs, newspaper files, cemetery records, some school enrolment records and class photos, genealogical books written by various family members, and honour rolls from the time of the Great War.

Our family records cover Bellingen, Urunga, Raleigh, Thora, Gleniffer, Kalang and other places in Bellingen Shire. We also have some information relating to surrounding areas, including Nambucca, Bowraville and the Coffs Harbour region.

Sometimes a casual mention in one of our documents can suggest new lines of enquiry for you to follow; sometimes we can provide more information than you really want to know! And we are always on the lookout for more information to add to our collection.

Cemeteries

We have some cemetery listings for the Bellinger Valley which include Urunga, Fernmount and Bellingen. .