Unfortunately, the museum had to be closed for two and a half years during the construction of the new Visitor Information Centre and cinema complex.
However, once that work was completed, Benalla Historical Society members took the opportunity to review the entire collection, disposing of some unwanted material, and prepare for reopening with an entirely new and modern gallery layout.
Benalla Historical Society secretary Alan Monger said a prestigious grant of $201,000 from the Regional Access Collections Program was obtained in 2022, and it allowed the provision of state-of-the-art lighting and first class showcases.
“Other substantial grants from Benalla Rural City Council and private donors were used for extra show cabinets, new flooring, wall alterations, painting and storage shelving,” he said.
“Despite not having all facilities in a finished state, the museum reopened in April and has become a very popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.”
One of the three galleries is devoted to memorabilia associated with Ned Kelly and is seen as a mecca for the many who have an interest in the infamous bushranger.
The second gallery is devoted to an outstanding collection of fashion and costume.
This has been enhanced in recent times by the donation of a large private collection of some 1200 items — the Dixon Collection.
The current display is composed entirely of items from the Dixon Collection, with an emphasis on the colour red.
Benalla’s history is the theme for the third gallery, with memorabilia from famous residents, such as ‘Weary’ Dunlop, Captain Hec Waller of HMAS Perth, Sister Edna Burns, Air Vice Marshall Bostock and Michael Savage, prominently displayed.
There is also a small cabinet devoted to locally discovered Indigenous artefacts.
The theme for this year’s Benalla Festival was ‘Hidden Treasures’ and so the current exhibition in the History Gallery features items that have been in storage for many years. This special exhibition will remain on display for the next few weeks.
Mr Monger said an official museum reopening was being organised now that the refurbishment was nearly complete, but no date had been confirmed.
“In the meantime, the historical society would welcome new members who might be interested in basic curation of the collections, cataloguing or working in the research room with sorting of documents or assisting with inquiries from the public,” he said.
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