History Week at Stawell Historical Society will pay tribute to the past through a display of items bearing a significant connection to the town.
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Society president Dorothy Brumby said some of the items on show had only recently been discovered.
“We are very lucky to showcase these items, a lot of them have been donated or come out of storage so even members at the historical society are seeing them for the first time,” she said.
The old court house is open to residents throughout History Week.
Also on display is a collection of late 1800s to mid-1900s fashion, a holding cell, a gold room showing some examples of Stawell’s gold history and thousands of photos.
Mrs Brumby said the week will allow residents of Stawell to learn about their past.
“We want people to see what their local history is about because many people may not know about it, especially newcomers to the town,” Ms Brumby said.
“We want to demonstrate an interest in local history with a call on representing the past.”
The most recent addition to the society’s historical collection is one of the 16 miniature replicas of Stawell’s historical buildings, which were created by long-term Stawell resident, Colin Byron.
Ms Brumby said the response from the public so far had been fantastic.
“We have had primary school students come and learn some new things about their town and other residents who have been pleasantly surprised with what they have learned,” she said.
“The historical society does a great job in paying tribute to the town’s history, we have built quite an impressive collection over the years and we only aim to add to this.”
Stawell Historical Society member Kate Van Dyck said she encouraged residents to help pay tribute to the town’s past by donating items with potential historical value to the exhibition.
“We are always on the lookout for more items so we invite people to donate,” Ms Van Dyck said.
“History week will be also be open next week at 46 Longfield Street, Stawell.”