On the eve of its 40th birthday, the society has moved into the former Lilydale courthouse, 135 years to the day after tenders were called for the building.

Secretary Sue Thompson said the move would ensure the continued success of the society and its work in the community.

"At our former home people could come and do research with us – perhaps about their own family history, or the house they live in - but when we closed, all our stuff was in storage.

"Now that we have our own home, and a much larger place, we hope more people will come and see us and see what we can offer."

Mrs Thompson said the 90-member society originally focused on just Lilydale but with past council amalgamations had widened its focus to include the entire Yarra Ranges.

"One of the key things we have worked to achieve over the past 40 years has been to collate and preserve the history of the area.

"We have a substantial collection of nearly 4000 photographs, and an enormous collection of memorabilia that is housed in the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum."

She said the society's other main function was to foster the development of other historical groups and societies in the region, which now includes the Wandin and Mt Dandenong groups.

The society will celebrate its 40th birthday with a celebration on March 11 at its new home at 61 Castella Street, Lilydale. Details: 97351661.