In the 1970's a number of pioneer members of the Footscray Historical Society contributed money to buy the historic property of "Ercildoune" on the corner of Hyde and Napier Streets Footscray, as Headquarters for the Society. To commemorate this generous act, the Founders' Garden was opened at Ercildoune in February 2001. Each year the Society holds a Garden Party in February to remember and to celebrate new achievements.

On 24th February 2002, the major celebrations included:

• Talk on the work of Seymour (Jack) Armstrong - Gary Presland
• Presentation of the CD published jointly by the Society and the City of Maribyrnong, David Reeves Matthews MBE [1890-1970]: a collection of unique glass slide images taken from 1920-1940 to Keith Matthews, the son of David Matthews - Frances White (See photograph below)
• Unveiling of the Founders' Garden mural by Carmel Taig
• Release of the publication Yarraville 1901 by Carmel Taig
• General business of the Society