The contemporary Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society was formed in August/September 1962 with the primary objectives of collecting whatever local and regional historical materials, and artifacts, might be available, and of establishing a means of storing and exhibiting the collection.
As the collection expanded the need for a museum became pressing, and after considering various options it was finally resolved to erect a building on land donated by the Department of Education. The Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society Museum was officially opened in April 1967 and was located on Willans Hill.
In 1999 management of the Museum devolved to the Wagga Wagga City Council, who continue to manage and maintain the Museum of the Riverina, at both the Willans Hill site and the Historical Council Chambers site.
With this latter change the objectives of the Society became very much oriented towards supporting and facilitating the recording and publication of local and regional histories, and the dissemination of this material.
Interaction and cooperative ventures with other community groups is seen as an important aspect of the Society’s operation that allows it to more readily achieve its objectives.
