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.

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Villages

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

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News

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Orange,Stories

James Dalton Jr

James Dalton rose from poverty in Ireland to become one of the leading merchants in NSW. Born in Duntryleague, Limerick, in 1834, James was the youngest son of James and Ellen Dalton. Soon after his son’s birth James Senior was sentenced to seven years transportation for his involvement in an abduction. He arrived in Sydney in 1835 and obtained his … read more

Events,Molong

Friends of the Molong & District Servicemen & Servicewomen’s Portrait Gallery are invited to an event to celebrate the portraits and stories of the Gallery, Sunday 28 March 2021 commencing at 2.00pm for 2.30pm

Friends and interested members of the community are invited to attend a gathering on Sunday 28 March at the Molong RSL Club, commencing at 2.00pm for 2.30pm. We are asking Friends and the community to explain their connections with the portraits, share a story or bring along some memorabilia to share. School students will be talking about their history studies. … read more

Byng,Stories,Villages

Admiral John Byng

In the 1850s NSW surveyor-general Sir Thomas Mitchell named Byng Street, Orange, in honour of the British admiral John Byng. Born in Bedfordshire in 1704, John Byng was just 13 when he followed his father into the British Navy. Byng acquired a reputation as a steadfast naval officer and was promoted to lieutenant in 1723, rear-admiral in 1745 and vice-admiral … read more

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.