Canowindra Historical Society and Museum Incorporated

Overview

The Canowindra Historical Society and Museum Incorporated is a not-for-profit organization based in Canowindra, New South Wales, Australia. It was established in 1967 and is entirely run and operated by volunteers. The society's primary objectives are to collect, preserve, display, and document historical objects associated with the district's history.

Collections and Exhibits

The museum houses a unique collection of historical items, including a hot air balloon, buttons, and pins, along with extensive photographs and other memorabilia. The exhibits showcase the development of Canowindra from a frontier township in the 1840s to its growth as a rural center. Notable collections include:

• Horse-drawn vehicles and vintage farm machinery: These exhibits highlight the early technological developments in the area.
• Textiles and household memorabilia: These provide insights into the domestic life of early settlers.
• Ancient slab hut and shearing shed: These structures recall the pioneering days of the region.
• Vintage dresses and textiles: These are available for viewing by prior arrangement, offering a glimpse into the fashion and textile history of the area.

Historical Records

The museum maintains extensive records on many families associated with the area dating back to the 1850s. Although it is not a family history society per se, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in the region's genealogy. Additionally, it offers online access to digitized issues of the Canowindra Star newspaper from 1900 to 1969, providing valuable historical context and insight into local life during that period.

Education and Community Engagement

The museum welcomes bus tours and school groups by appointment. It supports educational activities by linking visits to curriculum units, making it an integral part of the local educational landscape. This engagement helps promote historical awareness among students and visitors alike.

Operations and Governance

The society operates through volunteer efforts and holds regular meetings to manage its activities. These include annual general meetings where members can participate in decision-making processes. The organization relies on donations and volunteers' contributions to maintain its operations and continues to document contemporary events for future historical reference.

Australian Business Number (ABN)

The organization holds the ABN 50 208 429 465 RR 0001, indicating its status as a registered charity in Australia.

[1] https://canowindrahistory.com [2] https://canowindrahistory.com/contact.html [3] https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/orange-area/canowindra/attractions/canowindra-historical-society-museum [4] https://www.centralnswmuseums.com.au/museums/canowindra-historical-museum/ [5] https://directory.archivists.org.au/index.php/canowindra-and-district-historical-society