Museum
From its formation in 1961 the Society has actively collecting objects of historical interest related to Yass and district. The museum was officially opened in its present location in December 1988 after extensive refurbishments were made to a former garage over a period of some five years. The collection is varied to say the least - everything from a Koertz wool press to a tiny trouser button stamped 'Bracken', used by a local tailor, who personalised his garments with custom-made buttons. Wedding finery, local cordial bottles and exercise equipment contrast with a coin and badge collection, a collection of trophies for champion merino sheep and a minature farm. There is plenty to see! The museum is conveniently located just two doors from the Yass Visitors' Centre and adjoining Coronation Park with its playground and toilet facilities. Our museum currently features a number of displays - renowned explorer Hamilton Hume, a local Renaissance man Alfred Shearsby and everything from pubs to churches! Also available for viewing are a collection of digitised historic images and a small selection of electoral rolls etc. Research and copies of archival material and images Enquiries for local and family history information and copies of archival material or images should be directed to our Archive.
Museum closed due to ongoing work and A J Shearsby: Renaissance Man of Yass This exhibition opened by Dr Mathew Trinca, Director of the National Museum of Australia features over one hundred images taken by local photographer and geologist Alfred Shearsby (1872-1962) as well as numerous objects related to his life and interests. He was a man of many talents and was a competent artist, astronomer, paleontologist, writer and administrator. A community minded citizen he was instrumental in advancing various local associations through his secretarial, photographic and artistic capabilites. A series of postcards mostly featuring images from the Shearsby Collection are available for purchase. Single postcards $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.
Some of our other museum displays for your viewing pleasure: Comur Street 1890's. Our popular model streetscape shows how our main street looked well before the days of motor vehicles, street and traffic lights, paved footpaths and trees. The models provide a snapshot of what the buildings in Comur Street looked like in the 1890s - quite a contrast to twenty-first century Yass and well worth a visit.
Under the Sign - a pub crawl of the twenty-two known sites in Yass where the thirst of travellers and residents were quenched.
Barren Jack: the Lost City - a photographic look at the early construction phase of Burrinjuck Dam. A small township of temporary buildings and tents developed during that time but nearly all evidence of it disappeared under the the rising waters.
Hamilton Hume: The Explorer - the life and explorations of Hamilton Hume told through objects, images and documents. A significant collection of Hume furniture is on loan to the National Trust (NSW) and displayed at Humes' Cooma Cottage.
Cornerstones of Faith - an overview of the development of the churches within the vast Yass parishes, harking back to the days after 'Sunday crossed the Razorback'.
Location
Opening times
Groups and other times by arrangement - please contact Yass Visitor's Centre 02 6226 - 2557 Closed during winter - June long weekend till October long weekend. Admission fees
Enquiries for school and group visits to the museum should be directed to info@yasshistory.org.au Photography or videotaping are not permitted within the museum without prior permission.
All images on this website are the property of the Yass & District Historical Society Inc and must not be used for any purpose without the express permission of the Society. This page last updated:29 January 2022 |
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