Shining a Light on Local History.
Phillip Island and District Historical Society.
Federation Arch, Cowes Pier 1901
What's Happening
Our brand new museum in Berninneit, the new Cowes Cultural Centre, is now open.

Our first museum was opened in December 1982 in what was called the Heritage Centre in Thompson Avenue, where Berninneit, the new Cowes Cultural Centre is located today. It operated continuously until early 2020 when closed due to the demolition and rebuilding of the Cultural Centre.

During the construction period, a public vote to name the new centre was conducted by Bass Coast Shire Council. The First Nation’s name of Berninneit (pronounced burn-eh-neet) – meaning “gather together” – was chosen and officially endorsed by  Geographical Names Victoria.

The new museum within the new centre reopened on 02 November 2023 with an extensive display of  historical artefacts and images supported by digital stories.

About the Museum
Our Timeline Since 1941

The Phillip Island and District Historical Society was first formed under the name of the Phillip Island & Western Port Historical Society Inc. established in 1941. However, it went into a hiatus during the 1950s and in 1967 was reformed as The Phillip Island & District Historical Society.

The society’s museum was opened in December 1982 in what was called the Heritage Centre in Thompson Avenue, where the new Cowes Cultural Centre is located today. It operated continuously until early 2020 when closed due to the demolition and rebuilding of the Cultural Centre.

The museum will reopen in 2023 with an extensive display of digital stories supported by historical artefacts and images. 

The Society’s mission:

To foster interest and encourage the study of the history of Phillip Island and surrounding district, and to promote the compilation and publication of authentic historical records.

To collect, preserve and display artefacts and items of historical interest.

To aid in the preservation of places, artefacts and records of historical interest relating to the history of Phillip Island and district.

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