Fairbridge Farm exhibition

Fairbridge Farm School became an intrinsic part of the heritage of the Molong township and the community endears itself to former Fairbridgian’s. ‘The people of Molong and district, for many generations, opened their hearts, families and homes to the children of Fairbridge Farm School’.

Generational connections between Fairbridge Farm School and the community of Molong remain. Many Fairbridgean’s married local people and settled there, raising families in the place that is their home away from home.

An exhibition was developed in 2012 that illustrates aspects of life at the Fairbridge Farm over many years. The exhibition can be seen at the Molong Museum.

Emmaville Cottage

Emmaville Cottage is a vernacular heritage building managed by Orange City Council, relocated in 2014 to the Orange Botanic Gardens precinct. Construction methods indicate the potential of a very early prefabricated timber cottage.

The Rotary Club and Orange and District Historical Society advocated to the council to save the cottage. Many members of the community were involved with the restoration of the cottage. The cottage was officially opened to the public on 17 February 2014 and is open daily. A small interpretative exhibition has been developed and provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with the past and living and working practices.

Explore other heritage sites including Yuranigh’s Grave, Lake Canobolas Pump House, The Springs and Wentworth Main Mine, Lucknow.

Sustainable Collections Program

Working across the Council areas of Blayney, Cabonne and Orange, involving more than 12 museums, the Sustainable Collections Program has been working with museum volunteers to document and interpret collections and stories.

Villages of the Heart; a new strand of the Sustainable Collection program explores the places and villages of the region, building stronger communities, attachment to place and renewed valuing of rural communities. The projects main focus is on documenting rural villages, both lost but still have a presence in the landscape, stories, places, traditions and collections, and exploring community attachment to place.

The Program is administered by Orange City Council the Program supports a network of museums. The network meets regularly to advise on training needs, plan workshops, joint projects and events. These programs strengthen co-operation and raise the profile of museums and villages.

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Events

Find out what’s happening at our museums in and around Central NSW region. Get the latest updates on exhibition openings, open days and local history events around the district.

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Museums

Discover & explore the museums of Central NSW. You will find permanent and changing exhibitions highlighting the cultural heritage, people and stories of the region.

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Stories

Learn the rich stories about people, places and events in the region of central NSW.

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Collections

Explore the collection of objects and photos from the region.

See the Collections

Villages

Discover the villages and locations of the region, the people and historic buildings, cafes and cellar doors.

Explore the Villages

News

Stay connected for the latest news and events.

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Stories

An Aboriginal culturally modified tree

Trees marked by Aboriginal cultural practices are a distinctive part of the Australian landscape. A recent discovery on Wiradjuri country in New South Wales shows some of these “culturally modified trees” may be much younger than anybody thought. Read more about it https://theconversation.com/how-a-stone-wedged-in-a-gum-tree-shows-the-resilience-of-aboriginal-culture-in-australia-139663

Stories,Towns & Villages

Curious Central West: Unearthing the mystery and beauty of ghost towns

The Central West of New South Wales is littered with crumbling remains of once thriving settlements. There are the collapsing tin roofs of former post offices, the empty Cobb and Co changing stables, and clusters of headstones worn smooth by wind and rain. But there are also the unseen towns and villages — those reclaimed entirely by nature. Curious Central … read more

Museums

Yass & District Historical Society Inc

The Yass and District Historical Society Inc is a organisation conducted entirely by volunteers with a strong sense of commitment to the heritage and the future of their community. The museum is located at 247A Comur Street, Yass. The Museum is open Sunday 10.00am – pm. Contact Email: info@yasshistory.org.au or find us on the web www.yasshistory.org,au

Central NSW Museums

Visiting the museums and historic sites of the Orange, Cabonne, Blayney District provides an opportunity to experience the rural lifestyle of Australians at the time of Federation. Being able to see a 100 year old photo, farm machinery or tools used to craft the pioneer homes gives an appreciation of rural technology as well as the spirit of personal endeavour.

Explore the region through its Regional Museums Heritage Trail. Absorb the history and heritage of Australia’s colourful past. Visit Orange Regional Museum website for more information.