Its walls have held up pretty well since 1874.
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But now a section of the Jindera Pioneer Museum residence is receiving some much-needed rejuvenation ahead of the museum’s 50th birthday celebrations in October.
Committee president Margie Wehner said a collapse of one of the internal cellars of the historic residence had prompted a “significant” restoration project that is expected to be completed in August.
The building work is part of a flurry of activity at the museum and in the wider community as Jindera also prepares for its monumental 150th anniversary celebrations in September.
In the meantime a fresh committee of dedicated volunteers is injecting a new lease of life into marketing exhibits and the museum’s expansive grounds.
They’ve taken the historic buildings and all their contents back to the future and on to Facebook and Instagram to encourage broader community engagement and pique the interest of visitors.
Marketing officer Jacqui Schulz said the move to social media was a fun way to connect with the public.
“We’ve introduced things like Mystery Item Monday, where a picture of an item from the museum is posted on Facebook for readers to guess its use,” Ms Schulz said.
“We are trying to encourage more people to connect with the museum and to come in and enjoy the incredible history within its walls.
“I’m surprised by how many Jindera locals don’t realise what a huge space this is and even our older members are still discovering things in the museum they haven’t seen before.”
An inaugural photography competition – Jindera Pioneer Museum Re-Imagined – has also been launched to coincide with an exhibition to be held as part of the town’s 150th celebrations.
The idea is to get people to quite literally take a fresh look at the museum and what’s in it, according to Ms Schulz.
“It really is a dreamy and evocative place,” she said.
“It’s a beautiful place to wander through and imagine what life was like back then.”
To that end a call has gone out to artists of “lost trades” to join in the 50th birthday event on October 6.
Celebrations will include an open day and official opening of the upgraded blacksmith’s workshop and stables.
The museum is open while works are completed except for part of the residence and original shop (tea room).
Entries for the photo competition close September 16.
For details visit the museum’s Facebook page.