The Tilligerry Peninsula will reach an incredible milestone on March 31 - its 190th anniversary.
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Tanilba House, the peninsula's very first house, will be at the centre of the celebrations currently being planned to mark the milestone, lead by house owners Glenn Short and Deidre Hall.
"We couldn't let this date pass without having some sort of celebration. To commemorate this milestone we are planning some community events at the end of March. This will include a Tanilba House open day," Ms Hall said.
Community groups and organisations are being approached to be involved in the open day, which will take place on Sunday, March 28.
The day will include a presentation of local history, largely informed by historian Denise Gaudion and the Port Stephens Family History Society.
In 1996 the society, then called Tilligerry and Districts Family History Society, published A History of the Tilligerry Peninsula.
Last year the society launched its updated version of this book, titled History and Heritage of Tanilba House.
Ms Gaudion and society members are now working on a new book, Up the Tilligerry Creek and Around Its Tracks.
"It is a huge research project for our society," she said.
As part of the 190th anniversary celebrations, the society is calling on the community to contribute photos 20 years or older, which will be used for the open day and the new book.
"To help make this celebration more special we are looking for old photos of the suburb, Tanilba House and any historic residents," Ms Hall said.
Tanilba House was built by convicts for Lieutenant William Caswell who received a land grant of 50 acres on March 31, 1831. To put it in perspective, the city of Melbourne was established in 1835.
"[March 31] was the official day Lt William Caswell received his land grant of 50 acres back in 1831. This included the Tanilba House homestead site on the peninsula and land extending roughly up to the water gates," Ms Hall said.
"Putting on something like this is a huge job. If you would like to help us to organise and put on this celebration for the community we would love to hear from you."
To volunteer email dee@tanilbahouse.com.au.
If you have historical Tilligerry photos you wish to contribute to the book and open day presentation, email them to Ms Gaudion at dcgaudion@gmail.com.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
