Upcoming events for National Trust Heritage Festival from 16 April to 16 May 2026
Roaring into History 1920s Dance
As part of the National Trust Heritage Festival, the Port Stephens Family History Society is hosting a “Roaring into History” Dinner Dance on Saturday, 18 April 2026, from 8.00 to 11.30 pm, celebrating the life and vision of Henry F Halloran, the man responsible for the development of Tanilba Bay and many areas of Port Stephens.
The evening will transport guests back to the 1920s – the era when Halloran was planning the subdivision of Tanilba Bay. Think flappers, fedoras, jazz, and dancing, with a lively night of music, dinner, and fun.
So come & dance the night away, have fun & meet people who love fun.
Bookings can be made online at trybooking – search events Roaring & postcode 2319
TryBooking:
https://www.trybooking.com
Tanilba House Gardens & Heritage History Trail
A guided heritage experience that will give visitors the chance to discover the stories behind Tanilba Bay’s historic sites and a rare opportunity to explore the gardens of the historic Tanilba House, built by Lieutenant William Caswell in 1831. Heritage Tours and Walks Tanilba House Gardens & Heritage History Trail. Listen to a presentation about the historic sites while savouring a sumptuous morning tea. Then explore the historic Tanilba House gardens before experiencing a guided tour of the Heritage & History Trail in Tanilba Bay.
When: Thursday 23 April 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Start: Foreshore Hall, Tanilba Avenue
Cost: $20 includes morning tea.
Bookings can be made online at trybooking – search events postcode 2319
TryBooking:
https://www.trybooking.com
Heritage & History Trail in Tanilba Bay Escorted Experience
Step Back in Time…
Discover the fascinating stories behind Tanilba Bay’s historic sites on this engaging guided experience. Follow the Heritage & History Trail and uncover the legacy of visionary developer Henry F Halloran.
When: Sunday 26 April 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Meet at Centenary Water Gate
Avenue of the Allies
Tanilba Bay NSW 2319
Cost: Free
Bookings can be made online at trybooking – search events postcode 2319
TryBooking:
https://www.trybooking.com
Heritage & History Trail in Tanilba Bay Escorted Experience
Step Back in Time…
Discover the fascinating stories behind Tanilba Bay’s historic sites on this engaging guided experience. Follow the Heritage & History Trail and uncover the legacy of visionary developer Henry F Halloran.
When: Wednesday 13 May 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Meet at Foreshore Hall, Tanilba Bay
39 Tanilba Avenue
Tanilba Bay NSW 2319
Cost: $10 per person
Bookings can be made online at trybooking – search events postcode 2319
TryBooking:
https://www.trybooking.com
Launch of Henry F Halloran Soundtrail
Launch of the Henry Halloran Soundtrail – Tanilba Bay
The Henry F Halloran Soundtrail brings the Port Stephens of the 1920s to life through the story of property developer Henry F Halloran.
Halloran’s vision reflected the optimism of the post-war, pre-depression era. Few individuals have left such a lasting imprint on Port Stephens, shaping many of its suburbs and influencing how the region developed.
A contemporary of Walter Burley Griffin and other Garden City designers, Halloran promoted planned coastal communities that aligned with the ideas of the time. Tanilba Bay, where Halloran lived for a period, reflects both the opportunities he pursued and the success of many of his developments.
Bookings can be made online at trybooking – search events Launch postcode 2319
TryBooking:
https://www.trybooking.com
Our Weekly Meetings Events Program 2026
- At Our Weekly Meeting
Presentations by members at our weekly meetings on Thursdays, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm, details to be announced at each meeting for the following week.
- Excursions
Excursions to visit other Historical Societies & heritage sites in the area – details given at each meeting on upcoming visits.
- Throughout the year – Learn & Share
Weekly sessions including topics listed below:
Lessons are conducted using Microsoft Word, Trove, and many more topics & online genealogy sites. Listed below is a sample of lessons:
- Writing Your Family History – a 1-hour weekly workshop for all members
- Managing Images – scanning, editing, snipping, cropping & uploading to documents
- WhatsApp – how to use WhatsApp to improve communication between members
- Formatting documents – writing tips & tricks using Microsoft Word
- Learn Family Tree Maker, Ancestry, Trove & genealogy
- And lots, lots more…….
- And more……..