Our story

The Italian Historical Society (IHS) was established in 1980 to document, preserve and promote the history of Italian migration and settlement in Australia.

Through the ongoing generous support of the Italian community and the Society’s collecting, research and interpretation activities the Society has developed an extensive collection of significant material.

To ensure the ongoing relevance of the IHS and its Collection a major review is underway to improve access, documentation, preservation, development and promotion of the Collection.

What we offer

The IHS Collection and related information are a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Italian migration and settlement in Australia. Information on the Collection is available via the IHS online catalogue, publications, presentations and exhibitions.

A wide range of interesting items from the Collection are showcased in the permanent exhibition Museo Italiano and in a series of informative and engaging temporary exhibitions which explore Italian migration and its influence on Australia.

Since its inception the IHS has published books, exhibition catalogues, videos, teacher guides and fact sheets on a multitude of themes relating to Italians in Australia. Many of these resources are available online.

Our Collection

Since its formation, the IHS Collection has grown steadily and includes a wide range of images, histories, ephemera, documents and objects which relate to Italian migration and settlement in Australia. Much of the material which dates from the gold rush to the present has been donated by Italian migrants and their descendants.