It expanded in 1876, when it relocated to a large neoclassical building in Moorabool Street, formerly owned by the Geelong Chamber of commerce.

[10][11] including the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Matthew Flinders exploration of the district and climbing of Station Peak.

[19] A meeting aimed at establishing a historical society in Geelong was held in November 1923, when C. R. Long and J.

[21] In 1938 a public meeting chaired by L. Bechervaise passed a motion to form the Geelong and District Historical Society.

[24] Other prominent members include Mr William James Morrow, DFC, who was awarded an OAM for service to the Geelong Historical Society and to historical research and prolific historian and writer Peter Mansfield, winner of the Victorian History Library Short History Prize.

[25] The society has organised presentations and excursions since the 1950s,[26] and has previously worked in conjunction with the Geelong Heritage Centre (formerly Geelong Historical Records Section), which holds the archival and historical records gathered by the society.

[27] It has also been involved in numerous commemorative events and dedicating monuments,[28] and is often cited as the authoritative source on early Geelong people and history.,[29][30] including the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Matthew Flinders exploration of the district and climbing of Station Peak.

[31] It has also played a major role in the preservation of Geelong's historic monuments such as the Barwon Sewer Aqueduct.

[51] The opening was noted in print and electronic media with the focus on the role of the unusual architecture in the revitalisation in Geelong.

[52] The building won the 2015 State Award for Excellence by the Concrete Institute of Australia, which recognises significant contributions to technology and design innovation.