MOREE and District Historical Society this week celebrates its first birthday at its new home – and community members and visitors to town are invited to drop by Moree Plains Museum over Easter and have a look at what’s been achieved in the past 12 months.

On Easter Saturday, April 19, the museum will be open from 9.30am until 1.30pm.

Society member Jenny Pritchard encourages visitors to drop in and say hello.

“Locals are particularly invited, even if they have already visited, to come and see the many interesting items on display,” Mrs Pritchard said.

“Everything we have displayed relates to the Moree and district history, and the displays change from time to time.”

The Easter Saturday celebration will also feature a trash ‘n’ treasure stall, and an Easter egg raffle.

“We’ll also have light refreshments available,” Mrs Pritchard said.

The Moree Plains Museum, located in the old Lands Office building on Frome Street, was gifted to Moree and District Historical Society in 2019 after Moree Plains Shire Council acquired the historic site from the NSW State Government.

(Back from left) Moree and District Historical Society Neville Campbell, committee members Lauren Hill and Jane Rohde, with at front (from left) Michael McNamara, Denise Jenkins, Jeni Bruno and Jenny Pritchard at Moree Plains Museum.

The building was established as the State Government Lands Office in 1893-94 and continued in that role up until 2015.

Moree and District Historical Society president Neville Campbell said transforming the building to house Moree’s history has been a labour of love that is still evolving.

A new front stairway and the installation of a lift are some of the major renovations made to the heritage-listed building.

“Initially the building was on the ground and was subsequently raised to its present height in the early 1900s,” Mr Campbell said.

“The building was also damaged by fire in the early 1980s and repairs were carried out by the department of public works in 1982.”

The ground floor is now used for record-keeping and research and the upper floor is a museum dedicated to displaying Moree’s historical treasures.

“Naturally, the museum is a work in progress and our displays will of course change and evolve from time to time.

“In the meantime, society members hope the people of Moree and district, as well as visitors to our town, enjoy what we have done so far,” Mr Campbell said.

Since the museum began welcoming visitors three days a week, there has been a steady flow of people coming through the doors, with an increasing number also offering items to donate.

This is in line with the Society’s ongoing mission to preserve local history for future generations.

Moree Plains Museum Birthday

When: Saturday, April 19

Where: 40 Frome Street, Moree

Time: From 9.30am until 1.30pm.

Cost: Free