The Geelong Heritage Centre is Victoria's largest regional archive and resource centre.
The Geelong Heritage Centre helps people research their family tree. It also assists students and academics, authors and the general community to search the centre's unique collection of local, regional and state records.
Visitors can also access a large history orientated reference library.
The Centre is the collective memory for the Barwon Region. It acquires the records of local government, business, clubs, societies, churches and individuals, and makes these records available for cultural enjoyment, education, family history, writing and publishing, administrative recall and to assist in establishing citizens' rights and entitlements.
The centre was established as a memorial to two historical events of 1951; the centenary of separation of Victoria from NSW and the 50th Jubilee of Federation. The citizens of Geelong raised the capital funds for the Geelong Heritage Centre with the express wish that the centre be the repository for local historical records.
The centre provides information in the form of public and private records, newspapers, maps, plans and photographs as well as extensive catalogues and indexes.
The Centre receives around 8,000 - 10,000 enquiries each year and is managed by a regional committee comprising municipalities and community groups. Its operating funds are derived from local and state government sources and self-generated revenue.