On this page members of the Maitland and District Historical Society are sharing their research into a variety of aspects of the history of our locality. New stories will be added as they become available.
Use search to find stories about the person, place, topic or keyword you are interested in.
Benjamin family and business
Morris and Mary Ann (nee Israel) Benjamin lived and worked in Maitland in the second half of the nineteenth century. The family business, M Benjamin (and Sons), operated from High Street in West Maitland from 1867 to 1899. The Benjamins were members of Maitland’s early Jewish community. Their story highlights aspects of the nature and history of that community.
West Maitland Fire Brigade
A timeline of the formation, disbandment and reformation of the West Maitland Fire Brigade in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and some details on the different fire stations.
Cumberland Hall
The gracious mansion Cumberland Hall occupied a commanding position in East Maitland for 100 years, but was demolished in 1960-61 despite its architectural merit to make way for Maitland Girls’ High School. Striking similarities with local buildings of the same period have helped to identify its likely architect.
Caroline Chisholm, humanitarian and philanthropist
Caroline Chisholm, perhaps Australia’s greatest nineteenth-century philanthropist, made her mark in Maitland and many other places.
The Gallery site
The history of the Maitland Regional Art Gallery site provides glimpses into European occupation and settlement in Maitland.