Step back in time at Temora Rural Museum and experience life through the past two centuries. The museum showcases the rich heritage of not only Temora Shire, but agriculture, gold mining and many other facets of country life in general.
One of Australia’s most outstanding rural museums, it will take you on a trip down memory lane, providing an insight into the lives of pioneering rural families.
The museum is managed by a section 355 committee of Temora Shire Council in co-operation with a dedicated group of local volunteers. Regular working bees by museum volunteers over the past 30 years have added many features to the display including a cottage of hardwood slabs that was Sir Donald Bradman’s first home, a one room public school, bush church, country dance hall, printery, flour mill and ambulance station.
The memorabilia of noted boxing promoter, Jimmy Sharman, along with a comprehensive working display of sound technology and a fully furnished pioneer cottage, complement a gallery dedicated to the impressive rock and mineral display created for Temora by the late Athol Stean.
Decades of collecting and restoration have provided the museum with an outstanding collection of tractors, stationary engines and agricultural machinery, many of which are maintained in working order.
Each year on the second Saturday in March, the museum celebrates its anniversary with a packed program of live exhibitions featuring cottage crafts, bush trades, music and vintage machinery demonstrations. A highlight of the day is the grand parade of classic tractors led by a Fowler steam traction engine.
The museum also houses the Temora Family and Local History research centre, which is a great resource for anyone interested in investigating their family’s roots.
You can browse the museum’s displays on your own, or take advantage of the extensive knowledge of volunteer guides who can provide that extra level of local knowledge on each exhibit.