Long before the Illawarra Historical Society had anywhere to house its collection of moveable objects relating to Illawarra region and its pioneers, the society members had worked hard since the formation in 1944 to collect artifacts.
The hard work of the members came to fruition on 2 December, 1966 when the society opened the doors of Illawarra Museum at 11 Market Street, Wollongong.
At first the society had only access to the ground floor. By 1969 the society had the use of the whole building. Over the years the main building has remained unchanged.
The Museum committee has fitted out and maintained the exhibits on display. On the upper level is a parlor, bedroom and a schoolroom.
The ground floor has a craft room, and two rooms known as the East Room and the West Room. These are used for changing displays and traveling exhibitions.
The courtyard has a colonial kitchen, laundry, blacksmith’s shop, air raid shelter, stockman’s hut and a farm implement shed.
At the official opening of the building the then President Mr. Edgar Beale said “. The unsmooth course of true love is notorious and the same applies when the love is of a display of history.
”To really appreciate the collection one must visit the Museum.”
Illawarra Historical Society Inc. Illawarra Museum
11 Market St, Wollongong 2500
Phone: (02) 4228 7770 or (02) 4228 0158
Website: www.illawarramuseum.com