Research & Archives
Research Services
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) retain hard copy and digital files on our collections, buildings, gardens and classified sites which are publicly available.
We also collect and preserve documents related to significant sites in Victoria and make them publicly available. Our archives include a comprehensive look into the history, conservation, interpretation and management of our listed sites.
In addition, the Trust manages a comprehensive collections database, which includes information on provenance, use, makers and manufacturers.
Some of the types of files we hold include:
- Classification reports
- Redacted Applications and approvals for protections and permits
- Redacted correspondence between owners, the Trust and other interested parties
- Previous research notes
- Architectural Plans
- Media articles
- Photographs
- Maps
- Collections supplementary files
Not sure if the site you are looking for is Classified by the Trust? Find out here.
Accessing the Resources
The majority of this library is open to the public by appointment for visitors to research on their own. If the research request relates to a collection item, a National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Property or if significant distance is a factor for the researcher, the research may be done by Trust staff. The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) reserves the right to conduct the research internally, or request that the researcher does the work in person, depending on the situation.
To support the ongoing management and longevity of our archives and collections, there is a cost associated with this research. These funds will cover staffing costs, the digitisation of the collection, and the safe storage of our archives.
Access to the on-site research area at Tasma Terrace can be arranged by appointment only through National Trust Research Staff via [email protected].
Due to the confidential nature of some of our files and the location of objects and archives at Trust properties throughout the state, requests for collections research may need to be conducted by a member of the Trust’s Collections & Cultural Projects team. In this instance, researchers will be invoiced for the staff time involved.
Schedule of Fees
| Research Fees | Member and student (per hour) | Non-Member (per hour) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offsite (Conducted by NTV Staff) | Individual property/site/Collections object research (NTV or non-NTV Classified site) | $45.00 | $60.00 |
| Commercial Research (Heritage Consulting Organisations and professional author/researchers) | N/A | $150.00 | |
| Onsite (Conducted by researcher in person) | In Person National Trust File Research (NTV Classified site) | $35.00 | $50.00 |
| Commercial Research (Heritage Consulting Organisations and professional author/researchers) | N/A | $100.00 |
| Printing Fees | Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Scan/copy | $0.50 per page | $1.00 per page |
| Image | $1.00 per image | $2.00 per image |
Photocopying & Making Copies
High-resolution photos and copies of documentation can be provided for publications for a fee and requires a signed declaration by the author of the publication.
Copyright Process:
- Contact the National Trust’s research department identifying the site, image or document that you want a copy of for your publication.
- The National Trust will locate this image or document and confirm it with you, as well as providing a Copyright form to complete.
- The Copyright form are returned to the National Trust
- The high resolution image will then be provided to you.
If you require a high resolution of a photo or document for your upcoming publication, please get in touch with the National Trust’s Research Department at [email protected] or (03) 9656 9818.
Make an Enquiry
Get in touch to arrange access to our archives and research services
Address
Tasma Terrace
6 Parliament Place
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Access
Research appointments are available by arrangement only. Please contact the Heritage Services Coordinator to organise archival research access.
Contact
Phone: (03) 9656 9818
Email: [email protected]
Researching Your Own House
Interested in learning more about the history of your home? Not sure whether it is classified by the National Trust or protected under heritage controls? The resources below are a good place to start your research.
Check heritage status
Unsure if your property is heritage listed, or why it may be protected? Search the https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/ to find listings on the Victorian Heritage Register, Heritage Inventory or local Heritage Overlays.
Find historic photographs
Looking for images of your house or surrounding area? Explore the State Library of Victoria’s digital catalogue, which holds an extensive collection of historic photographs and maps.
House research guides
For step-by-step guidance on researching your home, visit the Public Record Office Victoria and the State Library of Victoria, which both offer practical research tools and advice.
Advice for heritage homeowners
Access resources and guidance from Heritage Victoria and the Heritage Council of Victoria on caring for and managing heritage properties.
Local history collections
The Royal Historical Society of Victoria holds significant local heritage collections that may provide further insight into your property and community.
Planning works or repairs?
If you’re looking to undertake work on a heritage property and need professional advice, visit the Victorian Heritage Services Directory to find qualified heritage consultants and trades.
