Forgetmenot - An Australian Social History Archive
What we do
Forgetmenot is an Australian online archive documenting thousands of historical objects, ephemera, pottery, tools, houshold items and artefacts from Australia's rural past through original photography and cataloguing to provide an online digital archive of our past.
The Archive is available for group visits by appointment.
The Archive
The Archive is a growing online resource containing more than 9,000 catalogued and photographed objects from Australia's past. It is a collection of collections that documents the diversity of everyday items, tools, household objects, industrial artefacts and cultural material that have contributed to our social evolution.
Featuring objects from home life, industry and early rural Australia, the Archive preserves a visual and historical record of the material culture that shaped previous generations. Together, these objects tell the story of how people lived, worked, created, travelled, communicated and adapted to changing times.
More than simply a catalogue, the Archive serves as a resource for research, education and historical discovery. Its searchable collection provides researchers, students, social historians, designers and collectors with access to thousands of individually documented items, offering a unique window into Australia's social and cultural heritage.
Our Services
The Archive is available for group visits by appointment.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore thousands of objects from Australia's past, many of which have disappeared from everyday life. From household items and tools to objects associated with early rural industry and community life, the collection offers a fascinating journey through the experiences of previous generations.
For many visitors, a tour of the Archive is more than a historical experience—it is an opportunity to rediscover familiar objects, share memories and reconnect with the people, places and lifestyles that helped shape our communities.
We welcome community groups, historical societies, schools, special-interest groups and other organisations seeking a unique and engaging visit.
The Archive also provides items and reference material for:
- Corporate heritage and history displays
- Museum exhibitions and research projects
- Film, television and theatrical productions
- Educational and community history projects
- Historical reference and design research
Please contact us to discuss group visits or specialised requirements.
Forgetmenot - A social history archive
Our Story
Yes ....You can visit
The Online Archive
For more than 40 years, we have been collecting the objects that tell the story of everyday Australian life.
Our interest has never been driven solely by rarity or value. Instead, we have been fascinated by the items that people once used, relied upon and lived alongside—objects that were part of homes, workplaces, farms, schools, businesses and communities throughout Australia.
Over time, what began as a personal collecting journey evolved into a significant archive of social history. The collection now contains more than 9,000 documented items, each representing a small piece of Australia's recent past.
Many of these objects were once commonplace but have now disappeared from everyday life. Together they provide a unique record of changing lifestyles, technologies, industries and traditions, helping to preserve memories and stories that might otherwise be lost.
The Archive continues to grow as we pursue our shared passion for documenting and preserving the objects that connect us with our past.
— Max and Boyd
The Online Archive
Yes ....You can visit
The Online Archive
The Forgetmenot Online Archive provides access to more than 9,000 catalogued and photographed objects that document everyday life in Australia's recent past.
The searchable archive is a resource for:
- Researchers
- Students
- Historians
- Designers
- Collectors
- Family Historians
- Social History Enthusiasts
- Anyone seeking to reconnect with the objects and memories of earlier times
Browse the Archive
Yes ....You can visit
Yes ....You can visit
Yes ....You can visit
Explore more than 9,000 catalogued items through our free online archive and searchable catalogue, available to researchers, students, historians, designers, collectors and anyone interested in Australia's social history.
The Archive is also open to groups by appointment, offering a unique opportunity to experience thousands of objects from Australia's past in a fascinating and accessible display environment.
With wheelchair access, on-site parking and visitor toilet facilities, the Archive is well suited to Probus groups, historical societies, community organisations and other special-interest groups seeking an enjoyable and informative day out.
Conveniently located in rural Victoria, the Archive makes an ideal day trip from Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong, Warrnambool and surrounding regions.
Contact details are provided below for enquiries and group bookings.