The Geelong Heritage Centre holds the Barwon Region's archive and historical resources. The Centre was established as a memorial to two historical events of 1951, being the centenary of separation of Victoria from NSW and the 50th jubilee of Federation. The citizens of Geelong raised the capital funds for the Centre with the express wish that the Centre be the repository for local historical records.

The Centre is the collective memory for the Barwon Region and acquires the records of local government, business, clubs, societies, churches and individuals to be used for the purposes of cultural enjoyment, education, family history, writing and publishing, administrative recall and establishing citizens' rights and entitlements.

The Centre handles around 10,000 enquiries each year.
The Centre is managed by a regional committee comprising municipalities and community groups and its operating funds are derived from local and state government sources and self-generated revenue.