Two special events are being held to mark the closure of Gerringong Museum, for at least 18 months while its new home is being prepared in the renovated School of Arts building, and help raise funds for the new display technologies.

Helen McDermott showing committee members Sandra Hamblen and Tony Butz a fundraising paver

Society President Helen McDermott says, “In farewelling the Museum we are saying thank you to those Gerringong residents who had the foresight and dedication to build it twenty six years ago. It was built to house a growing collection of precious objects, documents and stories of the development of our town.

“The Gerringong School of Arts is an integral part of Gerringong’s history, so it is fitting that the Museum will move there, once it is restored by Kiama Council, so that the Gerringong story can be housed for generations to come.”

At the Farewell events, visitors will be able see the Museum as it is now for the very last time, and learn how they can make a valued contribution to the new  Museum and the heritage of Gerringong by purchasing pavers to record family and business names in the grounds of the new Museum.

Helen McDermott says the funds raised will go towards developing state-of-the-art technologies, so that Gerringong’s story can be made accessible to young and old.

“We would love the town to contribute by their presence, and by their financial support,” she says.

At the first event, a wine and cheese evening, Lucy Bannyan of Thylacine Design and Project Management will talk about the possibilities available for the display of museum exhibits at the new location in the School of Arts.

At the second, an afternoon tea,  Kay Soderlund of Preservation Australia, who has been helping members of the Society plan for packing and storing exhibits, will be talking about the importance of local museums to national heritage.

While work on the new Museum and Library complex is scheduled to start next year, the doors to the Museum building will be closed to the public at the end of October to allow for the time needed to carefully put the exhibits and collections into storage.

The Historical Society needs to vacate the building by the end of December, so that members of Gerringong Men’s Shed and Lions can dismantle the building in January, prior to Council starting work on restoring the School of Arts and building a new library and community centre behind.

The Museum building will be relocated to Jubilee Park for use as storage for various community groups, including the Historical Society.

Details: Wednesday 11 October at 5.30pm for wine and cheese, or Sunday 15 October at 3pm for afternoon tea.
Both functions to be held at the Museum at 10 Blackwood Street.
Those wishing to attend are invited to RSVP to contact Bobbie Miller on 0413 967 385 or bobbiem131@gmail.com by Monday 9 October