Lambing Flat Folk Museum now has fire alarms

The museum, located in the old school house, has been housing historical items for the past 58 years, and currently has a vast and varied collection.

Thanks to funding from the NSW State Government that precious collection will now be even safer. 

Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson earlier this year presented the Young Historical Society with a cheque for $5000 on behalf of the NSW State Government to add to funds contributed by the society.

Local historian Brian James said the fire alarms will add another layer of security to protect treasures such as an 1861 banner from Young’s gold mining past that takes pride of place in the museum.

“In 1861 [this] banner was used to rally support for European gold miners in their attempt to drive the Chinese gold miners from the rich Lambing Flat alluvial gold fields,” Mr James said.

“The fire alarms mean that this is protected. It’s priceless,” he said.

The museum houses everyday items from the past as well as specialty pieces that include the display of historical dental equipment, a hairdressing display from years gone by, war exhibits, Aboriginal art and a shell display.

There is also beautiful china and household items from early white settlement.

There is also a large display of textiles on display including Christening and Wedding gowns from long ago and a beaded Flapper Dress from the 1920s.

And of course there is the famous three-legged chook. 

Some of the items on display cannot be found anywhere else in Australia, or the world, so protecting them has been Young Historical Society Inc.’s main priority. 

With all of the displays on local gold mining, farming history and bushrangers from the area it makes the installation of fire alarms even more significant with the majority of displays being irreplaceable.