The Canowindra Museum was established in a former school building which was transported from the outlying center of Murga in 1970. Several other small buildings and two machinery sheds have since been added. The adjacent Railway Cottage, formerly the Stationmasters residence, built in 1910, was purchased by the Historical Society in 1988 with a Bi-Centennial grant.

The Museum is situated in the main street next to the Memorial Park and the Age of Fishes Museum.

Highlights of the Museum are the shepherd’s hut circa 1828, Harold Boyd’s complete dental surgery, a wedding gown collection from 1881-1982, a reconstructed wool shed, wheat harvesters collection from 1843, photo collection and the Pioneers Wall.

The Canowindra Museum is operated by the Canowindra Historical Society. 

For more information visit the link: Canowindra Historical Museum - MGNSW or call 0433 130 859

The Eugowra Museum and Bushranger Centre was opened by Cabonne Council Mayor John Farr on the 25 – 26 October 2003. And a new extension has recently been completed but is not yet open.

This building was formerly a stock and station agent’s shop, but with government grants, gifts and lots of volunteer labour, it was refurbished into a great little building holding a huge variety of antiques and old wares from Eugowra’s past.

Robert Ellis first started the museum years before at his home in Norton Street, and this was subsequently run by Hilton and Jean Clements, grandchildren of Hanbury Clements, pioneer of the town of Eugowra and of Escort Rock fame.

Much of Robert’s collection was given to the Museum, when the Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association (EPPA) undertook to operate it.

Eugowra’s claim to fame in most Australian history books is as the place where bushrangers held up the gold escort coach on 15 June, 1862, on its way to Bathurst. This turned out to be very worthwhile for the gang, who got away with fourteen thousand pounds worth of gold and banknotes. It was the biggest gold robbery in Australia’s history and in today’s money would be worth about $8 million.

The Museum also has a significant collection of wartime memorabilia and war souvenirs, and a comprehensive catalogue of Eugowra Service Personnel.

TEMPORARILY CLOSED

All the portraits in this unique collection, were painted by artist Anne Marie Ingham. She gave her time to this project in gratitude for the sacrifices of these men and women, representing all from this area who served in our armed forces. She hoped it would enhance public awareness of their efforts.

The first portraits were unveiled in 2007, another six unveiled in 2008, twenty in January 2009 and five in 2012.

All ceremonies were held in conjunction with Molong & Cabonne Council’s Australia Day celebrations.

Anne Marie died in March 2014 and the last incomplete painted portrait, together with three photographs, were unveiled in October, 2014.

For information visit Molong & District Servicemen & Servicewomen's Portrait Gallery   or contact 02 6366 8105

The Molong museum is housed in a delightful stone building on the corner of Riddell & Gidley Streets and was built in 1860 as a hotel.  It was then called “The Golden Fleece”.  It is known that a rubble mason and also his son lived in Molong at that time and were responsible for several other stone buildings in the town.

The building has had a chequered life as after being a hotel it later became home and surgery for several doctors over many years.  Some of the old surgical instruments of one doctor, Doctor Andrew Ross, are in the Museum’s collection.  After the doctor’s exit from there it was turned into flats by the then owners and was this way for many years and in time was sold to the Molong historical Society for the rates owing.

The building is large and accommodating and in 2009 received a Federal Government Jobs Funding Grant of $89.000 which was used to repair and refurbish the building using local tradespeople.  During this time everything needed to be packed up and then replaced. It is still said that we have a “work in progress” as there are still repairs needed but from the structural work carried out it is hoped that it will be sound for many years to come.

Apart from the building itself and displays the one attracting the most interest is the Fairbridge Room.  Fairbridge was a farm and home for children from the United Kingdom from the early 1930’s until 1975 and was located approximately 5 kms on the Mitchell Highway towards Orange.   Research was done by interviewing old identities from Fairbridge and older Molong people who remember the farm and school as a thriving little community.

One of the interesting questions asked, by people in the know is, “have you ever seen the ghost”?-  No we haven’t but several members have had some strange experiences so on leaving the building at lockup time we usually talk it “her” and say goodnight.  There is a lovely atmosphere throughout the building so we think “she” is happy and content as “she” can see us all over the building and care for it.

For information visit Molong Museum  or call 0400 425 015.

Yeoval Historical Museum was once the home of Mr and Mrs O’Halloran, today its home to the local history of the Yeoval region.

The homestead of the O’Halloran’s, aside the now Buckinbah Park contained a store front where Mr O’Halloran worked as saddler, boot maker and gunsmith.

The Yeoval Historical & Family Museum is a living museum that preserves the region’s rich oral history and memorabilia through immersive displays, with a special focus on local family histories. Visitors are welcome when the museum is open or by appointment. Call to book in advance for a guided tour, offering a personalised journey through Yeoval’s past.

Visit the Museum
Open: Tuesday and Friday, 10am - 2pm
Also open by appointment - 0409 440 931
email: yhfmuseumbootys1@gmail.com
Address: 26 Forbes Street, Yeoval

Website

For information visit Yeoval Historical & Family Museum - O’Hallorans Cottage  or call 0409 440 931.

Monthly Article December 2025

Written by: Victoria Parkes (Yeoval Historical & Family Museum / O’Hallorans Cottage) 

WHATS ON – YEOVAL HISTORICAL & FAMILY MUSEUM/O’HALLORANS COTTAGE

As we say goodbye to 2025, the Yeoval Historical Society would like to thank the Cabonne Council and staff for all their support and assistance throughout the year.

In 2025, the Yeoval Historical & Family Museum/O’Halloran’s Cottage and the adjoining Buckinbah Park have undergone notable changes.

Located in the centre of Yeoval across the street from the Public Toilets, is the Rustic Setting and Shaded Landscape of Buckinbah Park - It entices the visitors and locals alike to rest and picnic lunch in the Parks’ ambience.

Adjoining Buckinbah Park is the gateway into the Yeoval Historical and Family Museum/O’Halloran’s Cottage.

The Entrance Room of the Yeoval Historical and Family Museum/O’Halloran’s Cottage has a distinctive Display on A.B (Banjo) Paterson that acknowledges his childhood connection to ‘Buckinbah’. The Entrance Area includes a comprehensive Tourist Information Exposition that provides free maps, pamphlets and information. for the tourist and visitors to the Museum.

The O’Halloran Home and Bootmakers Shop is a living experience - a Guided Tour back through time to the bygone era of life as it was, in the 1940s.

Each month we display artefacts and explore significant events from the Yeoval Areas Past, with Articles identifying the story behind the Monthly Exhibit.

The Yeoval Historical & Family Museum /O’Hallorans Cottage has established a Research and Reading Room - the community and public are able to delve into their Family History or browse through our collection of Historical Books & Articles. An experienced Family Historian & Researcher, can assist you with all of your enquiries.

The Yeoval Historical and Family Museum /O’Hallorans Cottage continues to grow and embraces New Themes as well as Preserving Yeovals Past.  2026 is fast approaching, we have an invigorated focus. We plan to introduce:

·         A Yeoval Heritage Walking Track (pamphlet map & listing historical points)

·         Cobb & Co Artefact Exhibit, Cobb & Co Gold Escort Drive Trail – Baldry.

·         Revitalizatation of ‘The Poets Walk’- viewing the Paterson Homestead ruins.

·         Introduction of Indigenous Local Heritage and Educational Coaching Sessions to be held in the Museums Research and Reading Room on a monthly basis.

·         A revamp of the community Notice Board in Buckinbah Park highlighting the local Tourist points of interest (maps etc).

Over the Christmas / New Year School Holiday Break - why not bring the family for a “Day Trip” to Yeoval – stop in Buckinbah Park for a picnic lunch, grab a bite to eat at the local Billabong Garage, The Royal Hotel, Yeoval Bowling Club or the Old Post Office – Gift and Homeware Café.

DON’T FORGET TO VISIT THE YEOVAL HISTORICAL & FAMILY MUSEUM/O’HALLORANS COTTAGE (COME FOR A GUIDED TOUR, THEN EXPLORE AND DISCOVER YEOVAL and PICK UP THE TOURIST INFORMATION FOR AROUND THE LOCAL AREA)

THE YEOVAL HISTORICAL & FAMILY MUSEUM /O’HALLORANS COTTAGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM TUESDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2025 TO TUESDAY 6TH JANUARY 2026

OPENING HOURS WILL BE

TUESDAY THURSDAY and FRIDAY

11.00AM TO 4.00 PM

OR BY APPOINTMENT PH: 0409440931

EMAIL: yhfmuseumbootys1@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: Yeoval Historical & family Museum- Bootys Place

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR