Who We Are

Wingham Museum

Wingham Museum occupies a prominent position in the town’s historic center. Built c1870, it is one of the oldest commercial buildings in town. It had a long history of its own before its was opened as a museum in 1968 by renowned aviatrix, Nancy Bird-Walton AO OBE DStJ.

In the 50-years since its foundation, Wingham Museum has become an integral part of the community. It’s amazing collection reflects the generosity of local donors, and a shared community commitment to keeping the history of the Manning Valley. Its volunteers work hard to keep the museum open 7 days a week and, in addition, publish books and a bi-annual journal, assist with family history enquiries and regularly add their knowledge and assistance to local festivals and other community projects.

Today, Wingham Museum offers the people of the Manning and visitors a unique cultural and heritage experience. It has become an amazing tourist and education destination, as well as an archive of great significance.

Come and say hi! We look forward to meeting you…

An Amazing Collection
Featured Item
When to Visit
MVHS Committee

An amazing

Collection

Wingham Museum is the custodian of a large collection of artefacts representing all facets of life in the Manning. More than 10,000 items are presented over 500 square meters of exhibition space that includes the following themes…

• Natural History;
• Aboriginal Culture and History;
• Industries, Agriculture and Farming;
• The Manning River, Transport and Communication;
• Local Business, Trade and Tourism;
• Education;
• Recreation, Entertainment, Sport and Social Life;
• Community Organizations, Church and Civic History;
• Justice and law and Order;
• Medical Service and Hospitals;
• Serving in War and the War at Home;
• Domestic Life – Dining, Parlour, Bedroom, Kitchen and Laundry;
• Women’s History – Dress, Crafts, Domestic Textiles and Children’s Items;
• Made in the Manning Valley; and
• Local History and Archives.

In other words – it’s big! Come in and see our for yourself. Walk through the jail cell that held infamous bushranger, Jimmy Governor or read about the trials of Isabella Mary Kelly – the inspiration for Di Morrissey’s book “the Valley”.

Our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers are available to assist with your enquiries.

Featured

item

Our special exhibition for the December – January school Holidays will be toys and games.

Come along and see what toys and games your grandparents and parents may have played with as children.

 

When to Visit

Opening Hours

Opening hours are 10am to 4pm, every day except for Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day when the museum is closed. Please note however – we are a volunteer organization and cannot always guarantee our doors will be open. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you call ahead of your visit, 02  6553 5823 .

Our Archives and Research Center is open on Tuesdays, 10am to 2pm, with research and collections volunteers available to help with your inquiries.

 

Manning Valley Historical Society

Management committee

The Management Committee of the Manning Valley Historical Society consists of five (5) office bearers and between three (3) and seven (7) ordinary members. The members of the committee are elected to their position at the Annual General Meeting held on the third Wednesday of August each year, The current committee follows…

• President – Cherie Jenkins

• Vice President – Scott Grant

• Vice President – Terry Tournoff

• Secretary – Katherine Bell

• Treasurer – Neale Greenaway

• Ordinary Members – Robyn Greenaway, Jeff Chan, Kim Wilson, Carol Pammer, Bob Berry, Anne Parish, and Dennis Jenkins.

Wingham Museum and its collection are owned by MVHS and overseen by its Management Committee in trust for the people of the Manning. The duties, responsibilities and authorities of the Committee are documented in its constitution.

An overview of the Society’s organisational structure and its mission statement  are presented here.