In 1925, Fr Henry Heras — after whom St Xavier's College's (SXC) Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture is named — found"ed the Bombay Historical Society. Taking this legacy of learning local history a step ahead Fr (Dr) John Correia-Afonso renamed it the Bombay Local History Society (BLHS) in 1978 in light of a seminar named 'Bombay: The Gateway to India'. Following its inception, a slew of programmes began — both beginner-friendly and academically enriching. After operating on the college premises for over 40 years housed inside the Heras Institute, the society announced that they would have to shift base. Citing space and fund constraints, the college would be unable to accommodate the society.

On August 20, there was an emergency meeting summoned by BLHS secretary and director of Heras Institute to discuss the future of the society. "It was informed by the management representative, Fr Pesso, SJ of the St Xavier's College Society that they would like the BLHS to discontinue functioning from the premises of St Xavier's College," the statement on their Facebook page read. Since only 13 of the 250 members were present at the meeting, a decision on its continuation or closure could not be made. According to the statement, "The members present felt that as a consequence the BLHS should not be wound up but it would function from some other premises outside St Xavier's College and the BLHS could be registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act." So, another meeting will be held on September 28.