Clarence Town & District Historical Museum Inc

A former courthouse building (1869) is the site of a local history museum which focuses on Clarence Town as a terminal of navigation and river port.

It's collection encompasses shipbuilding, exploration, maps, documents photographs, memorabilia, household items, timber-getting, agriculture and the history of the settlement of Williams River.

In addition to the above, a native cottage garden is in the process of being established, together with a replica pioneer settlers cottage about to be constructed, materials on site, containing names, photographs (where available), and information on Pioneer Settlers; all surrounded by native trees.

In this manner there will be provided a background to Clarence Town's heritage and a support to our Historical Museum.

The Clarence Town and district historical society is a small community network of volunteers whom are passionate about preserving the history of our community and the surrounding area.

The society was formed in 1985 with Reg Ford 1917 - 2006 as president. A bi-centenary project was set in motion to restore the courthouse and establish the museum in time for the bi-centenary.

Unfortunately the handover of the courthouse didn't take place until about 1990 and the work not completed until 1992.

Our collection comprises of an extensive assortment which includes shipbuilding, timber getting, documents, photo's, household items and local history pertaining to settlement and local families.

Entry

Unlike many museums we don't have a set entry charge to the museum, instead all we ask is a gold coin donation. We are not supported financially by the council or the government and do ask that you please support us when you come by for a visit to help with the upkeep of the site.

Opening Times

Open second and last Saturday of the month
Opening times: 10.00 - 14.00

Second Monday of each month (Working bee's also take place on this day.)
Time: 09.00 - 13.00

Also open by appointment

Society Meeting times last Saturday of the month -
Time: 1000 - 1130 (unless otherwise notified)

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

We are located between Raymond Terrace and Dungog. On the banks of the Williams River which is a hub for recreation.

Clarence Town fights to save their museum

A small group of dedicated people are doing their best to ensure Clarence Town and District Historical Museum remains in the towns hands.

President Peter Doolan and secretary Di Ellis are trying to raise $30,000 to fix up the interior of the oldest weatherboard courthouse in New South Wales.

The plaster is coming away from the wall because there is moisture behind it, Ms Ellis said.

It is going to cost $30,000 to fix it properly but a bandaid solution will only be $2000.

Aside from that, the building is in pretty good nick.

In the last 20 years the group has spent $80,000 on the building as well as constructing a new barn to display machinery and a disabled toilet block and storage room.

Peter Doolan said the 12 custodians want to maintain the history of the town.

It is such an important part of the history of Australia, he said.

It was the seventh gazetted town in NSW and the building was constructed in 1869.

It was closed as a courthouse in 1970 and a bi-centennial project to have it restored.

Work started in 1986 and was finished in 1992, but it was a long fight.

Weve had great support from the community and a petition to Save our Museum was very successful.

We are looking for people who have a bit of spare time to do research on the towns history for us.

All they need is a computer and lots of enthusiasm.

A twilight Christmas bazaar will be held on Saturday week to help raise money for the museum and promote the Clarence Town craft group.

Forty six stalls have already been booked for the November 15 event which starts at 4 and goes through to 9pm.

There will be lots to see and do and fun for the kids, Ms Ellis said.

A lantern and carol parade will be held at 7pm with prizes for decoration, design and imagination.

We will keep applying for grants . . . in fact whatever it takes to keep it open.

Weve put too much effort into it to lose it.