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AWARDS
The Benalla Costume and Pioneer Museum has been
fortunate to win several awards:
2008
The Public Records Office of Victoria "Sir Rupert Hamer Award for
Archival Care"
2009
'Herald Sun' Peoples Choice Award in the category "Best Museum
Experience".
This was a
tied win with the RAAF Museum.
2009
The 'Click' Volunteer Museum Award in the category "Exhibitions and
Public Programs".
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The Benalla Costume and Pioneer Museum
was founded in 1967 and is accredited through the
Museum Accreditation
Program (Vic).
It is the only public costume
museum of its kind in Victoria.
It is managed entirely by volunteer
members of the Benalla & District Historical Society Inc. and is a splendid
example of how the skills of an enthusiastic and talented group can produce
excellence.
Benalla is situated on the main highway and rail link between Melbourne
and Sydney, just two hours from Melbourne.
The Museum is centrally located on the bank of Lake Benalla
adjacent to the
Ceramic Mural,
and opposite the
Art Gallery
and
Botanical Gardens.
The Museum specialises in costume and local history, including
much of the
NED KELLY STORY .
The Historical Society also has a 'Research Room' now located
in the Museum building in which
early Benalla newspapers, books, documents, and pictures are stored. The
Research Room is open to the public for research purposes on Wednesdays from 1.00 to 3.00pm throughout the year for those who may wish
to explore the annals of Benalla's History. For more about this facility,
click on the "Research Room" link at the top of the page.
The costume collection dates from 1770 to the present, and
is shown in regularly changing exhibitions of dressed models, with
appropriate accessories and decor to suit the theme of the exhibition.
CURRENT MAJOR EXHIBITIONS
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' STYLED IN SILK -
SINCE 1770' |
VINTAGE
BICYCLES
'RIDING THROUGH TIME' |
'MILLINERY MODES' |
LOCAL HISTORY is displayed in several
permanent exhibitions, depicting Benalla Memorabilia, the Kelly Story and
three of Benalla's famous sons.
As Benalla is in the heart of Kelly Country, the
KELLY STORY
is given considerable emphasis. Here is a transportable prison cell in which Ned was once imprisoned,
and it contains authentic memorabilia including Ned's bloodstained sash (which he wore at the siege
at Glenrowan) and his bridle as well as other items. You can also
read many
letters and documents about the gang and Ned's family, and
see an excellent 12 minute video.
Two of Benalla's famous sons - surgeon and war
hero Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop, and Captain Hector Waller,
RAN - are remembered in the
Services Room. The tea room and associated display is named
after a third 'famous son'
-
Michael Joseph Savage,
first Labour Prime
Minister of New Zealand, who was born at Tatong near
Benalla
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The Museum complex in Mair Street also
houses the
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
with local tourist and
accommodation information,
and
THE CREATORS
GALLERY
selling quality art and craft and
souvenirs.
And you
can enjoy a tea or coffee in our Tea
Room!
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Be absolutely sure you and the children especially, come
into the Museum to see the
MINIATURE HOUSE
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MUSEUM ENTRY CHARGES:
Adults: $4.00 Concession: $3.00
Children : $0.50
EASY WHEELCHAIR ACCESS AVAILABLE
THROUGH THE MAIN ENTRANCE. |
So this Museum is a real gem - and well worth a visit!
