Historical societies have been kept busy with many members of the public using the extra time created by the pandemic to go through their cupboards and their family history.

Port Fairy Historical Society president Andrea Coney said her group had received a large volume of research requests.

This had come despite the group's headquarters, the museum at the town's old courthouse, being closed to the public since mid-march.

"There has certainly been an increase in research queries during the lockdown," Ms Coney said.

"Most of those revolve around family histories, people are taking the time to trace those family ties.

"Our members have also been active maintaining the museum and getting our new archive room ready, so it has been a productive time for us despite the challenges."

Warrnambool and District Historical Society president Janet Macdonald told of a similar workload for her members.

Ms Macdonald said calls for research assistance had come from far and wide.

"We have been contacted by people who had planned to come to Warrnambool to research something but who haven't been able to with the restrictions," Ms Macdonald said.

"Some of our members who are living away from Warrnambool are writing books and have been in contact to get some help chasing up information we have here that they need."

Ms Macdonald said a number of people had rang the historical society wanting to donate items of interest they had uncovered during the social restrictions period.

She said members were excited to see what may have been uncovered.

"We have received some photos already and we are waiting on some more items people are in the process of sending through the post," Ms Macdonald said.

"There are some very interesting bits and pieces.

"Some of the items have real historical significance for Warrnambool and they should be arriving soon."