Emmott House – MDHS & Rotary Work Together

Built in 1875, the heritage-listed Emmott House has certainly withstood the test of time and is now home to the Moruya Museum. Since its acquisition by the Moruya and District Historical Society (MDHS) in 1976, substantial restoration work has been undertaken, but some aspects are ongoing. Recent challenges emerged with the deterioration of the front veranda’s substructure, likely due to unusually high rainfall. Without intervention, the verandah risked becoming unusable.

MDHS is fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers equipped with the necessary skills and experience to tackle this restoration project. They diligently assessed the scope of the work required, focusing on strengthening the veranda’s substructure and replacing the old, weathered flooring and balustrade.

While the materials needed to repair the substructure came at minimal cost, the expenses for the timber required to replace the verandah flooring and balustrade were substantial. However, thanks to the generous support of Moruya Rotary, the necessary funds became available in August 2023, allowing the restoration project to commence.

MDHS volunteers and Moruya Rotary’s significant assistance have propelled this project forward, aiming for completion by mid-September. Their dedication and commitment to preserving the Emmott House exemplify the power of community organizations and enthusiastic volunteers. This timely intervention not only safeguards the museum’s future but also prevents the need for more costly building work in the coming years.