Museum Musings

The Queanbeyan Historical Museum has many treasures in it but perhaps the greatest is the building itself in Farrer Place. Flanked by more modern buildings, which are already showing signs of coming to the end of their life, the museum is a testament to the building techniques and materials of the past.

First built in 1876 for a police sergeant's residence and serving that function for about a hundred years, it was constructed by John Kealman, a well-known local builder, at a cost of £1,000. John Kealman made the bricks for the building, laid in English bond, at his own brickworks in nearby Garryowen, bordering on Campbell Street.

The building is a good example of the Victorian Regency style of the late 19th century and originally formed part of a complex of official government buildings. The rear section of the building, the kitchens, were constructed around 1910. The lean-tos on either side were added in the late 1950s.

From 1976 to 1978 the building served as the temporary police station during the construction of the new police station and courthouse next door.

In 1979 the police sergeant's building was designated for use as a museum by the state government and was officially opened to the public in January 1981. The museum has been operated since then by members of the Queanbeyan and Distrtict Historical Museum Society and since 2003, in partnership with Queanbeyan City Council.

If anyone has more information about the building, has stories to tell or simply wants to know more about its history, the Museum Society is having a get-together on Sunday 29 May from 1 to 4pm to share information and chat.

The Museum is open from 1-4pm every Saturday and Sunday.

- John McGlynn