Discover the history of the Manning Valley in a lovingly curated collection of artifacts.
The museum was famously opened in 1968 by Australia’s great aviator Nancy Bird Walton, and is housed in one of Wingham’s most historically significant buildings – its first general store. The collection is lovingly curated by a team of dedicated volunteers, and includes the original lock-up that held famed bushranger Jimmy Governor among its many relics.
Wander through our many large rooms of themed displays that house antiques ranging from Gaelic bibles bought out by original Scottish settlers to rare local aboriginal artefacts and hand- carved furniture. Each display is supported by the Manning Valley Historical Society’s nationally significant photographic collection, which provides a fascinating insight into what life was really like for the pioneering men and women who chose to settle in rural towns.
Take a little piece of history home with you by visiting our store, which offers a selection of historical books and handcrafts created by local artisans.
As the primary keeping place of local culture and heritage in the Manning Valley, Wingham Museum is the custodian of a large collection of artefacts representing all facets of life in the Manning. More than 10,000 items are presented over 500 square meters of exhibition space that includes the following themes…
Fashion, textiles and crafts; natural history; Aboriginal culture and history; domestic life; industries, agriculture and farming; the Manning River, transport and communication; and serving in war and the war at home. In other words – it’s big! Come in and see our for yourself. Wander across the floorboards of our National Trust building and learn about our pioneering past.
Walk through the jail cell that held infamous bushranger, Jimmy Governor or read about the trials of Isabella Mary Kelly – the inspiration for Di Morrissey’s book “the Valley”.