The records created by friendly societies document how the societies governed themselves and conducted their meetings (for example minutes and attendance books), managed their members (for example members’ registers), their financial affairs (for example contribution books, ledgers and mortgage registers) and their sickness and medical benefits (for example records of sickness and hospital fund registers) . Other types of records include publications such as newsletters, photographs of conferences and correspondence files. The records also provide information about the importance of local, grassroots organisation for all the friendly societies. Likewise, they show the role of the central administration (or head office) became increasingly important over time.
The records of the Australian Natives’ Association, Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Grand United Order of Odd Fellows are rich sources of information about the history of Australia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. They show how towns and districts grew and shrank according to the economic climate of the times. They show how people spent their spare time by joining and running societies and participating in the social activities they organised. They also show how medical services were provided through voluntary organisations like friendly societies. And they show how friendly societies diversified the services they offered to members and how governments increasingly regulated their activities over time.
Learn more about our friendly society history.
Read some stories about important events and people from our past.
Some contacts for access to friendly society records.