2018

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MUSEUM

1 December 2018 – 2 February 2019

The Museum has a rich collection of artefacts which range in date from pre-European settlement to the modern day. The museum also houses an extensive collection of documents, microfilms and photographs. Many of these objects  tell personal stories about people’s lives, places and artefacts.

The range of objects in this exhibition, selected and curated by the collection’s team, reflects the wide range of interests of our volunteers. The objects on display all tell a fascinating story and include:

• a ball gown that Mrs Grace McVey wore when she met Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1954;
• a camera used by a missionary in Mongolia and Nepal in the early 1900s;
• an early sewing machine brought out from Ireland in 1890; and
• an exercise book used by an 11 yo school boy in 1861.

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ONE FAMILY’S TRAGEDY

1 November – 30 November

Frederick Clarke, son of William and Eliza Clarke of Coila, was 22 when he died on the Western Front on 23 August 1918. Fred was one of 61 514 Australians who died during World War 1. Currently on display are letters and telegrams from the time of his death, telling the story of the Clarke family tragedy; one of many. Particularly poignant are copies of two letters, both written on 25 August 1918. One was written by Eliza Clarke to her son. The other was written from the front by Sister Lindsay to Mr Clarke advising him of his son’s death.

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SUBMERGED: Stories of Australia’s Shipwrecks

1 September – 26 October

Moruya & District Historical Society is hosting the Australian National Maritime Museum’s touring exhibition SUBMERGED: Stories of Australia’s Shipwrecks 

The exhibition features stories about the wrecks of merchant vessels, steamers, schooners, whalers and a submarine. The oldest wreck featured is WA’s Batavia. Its 1629 loss on Beacon Island, and subsequent mutiny, is one of the most dramatic events in Dutch and Australian history. 

Other wrecks include Sanyo Maru, a Japanese motor vessel lost in 1937 in Boucaut Bay NT, British merchant ship Sydney Cove lost in 1797 off Preservation Island, Tasmania and the paddle steamer Wagga Wagga which sank at Narrandera, NSW in 1913.

The exhibition also features one shipwreck from outside Australia – Australia’s second submarine HMAS AE2 which was lost in 1915 during the First World War in the Sea of Marmara, Turkey

Local shipwrecks include the Rover, lost in Broulee Bay in 1841, the Monaro, wrecked on Kelly’s Point, Bingie in 1879 and the Kameruka, sunk off Pedro Point in1897. 

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MILK: The River of Life

30 June – 17 August

The dairying industry played a critical role in the development of our district. The exhibition “Milk: The River of Life” explores the history of the industry from the time of settlers such as Francis Flanagan and John Hawdon up until the present.

Large objects such as separators, churns, a cheese press and cheese moulds are on display as are smaller objects such as ledgers, silverware, show ribbons and share certificates.

Stunning, original photos by Andrew Metcalfe are also on display courtesy of the Eurobodalla Shire Council. These photos are on sale for $35 each with proceeds going to MDHS and the ESC.

A devonshire tea and cheese tasting will follow the launch.

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MARDI GRAS MAYHEM

19 May – 28 July

Camels, marching girls, lifesavers and clowns made their way down Vulcan Street during the Moruya Mardi Gras held during the 1960s and 1970s. The Wild Man From Bendethera frightened the children, while Lady Godiva tried to shock the crowds lining the street.
The Moruya and District Historical Society presents Mardi Gras Mayhem, a photographic exhibition featuring wonderful images that capture the event’s colour and vitality. The community spirit that made the Mardi Gras so successful is obvious.

To read more about the exhibition click here.