History and heritage
FIRE! Commemorating 30 years since the St Kilda Town Hall fire
FIRE! is a display which commemorates this event by telling the story of the fire and its aftermath through images, music and recollections.
Sunday 7 April, 1991, St Kilda Town Hall fire
Tom Connors and his daughter, 1945
Through childhood eyes: hidden stories of World War Two
The following pages commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two through local living memories that document how this war impacted young people in our City.
First Peoples local history and culture
The Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung are the first people of the Port Phillip area. Find out more about First Peoples local history and culture within the City of Port Phillip.
Ngargee held on Emerald Hill (today the site of the South Melbourne Town Hall) in 1840. A corroboree on Emerald Hill in 1840, 1875, W. F. E. Liardet. Courtesy State Library of Victoria
William Archibald Paterson, Saltwater Lagoon from Sugar Works, 1873, PPCC
Histories of Port Phillip
Explore our many histories and share our diverse local heritage.
Port Phillip Heritage Centre and Local History services
The Port Phillip Heritage Centre provides access to historic records, collections, public programs and Local History research services.
Emerald Hill Library and Port Phillip Heritage Centre, 195 Banks Street, South Melbourne.
Celebrations for the opening of the refurbished St Kilda Town Hall in 1994, PPCC
Things to do
Art and heritage programs have moved online while the Port Phillip Heritage Centre is still temporarily closed in response to the impact of COVID-19.
Cultural Heritage Reference Committee
The Cultural Heritage Reference Committee (CHRC) provides advice and feedback about cultural heritage and local history.
Boundary Rovers, Montague Football Club Team 1946
Sign up to the mailing list
Join our What's On mailing list for art and heritage programs and events.