Walcha is set to come alive with history, community spirit and a touch of nostalgia on Sunday, April 12, as the Walcha and District Historical Society throws open the gates for its ‘Remember When…’ Museum Open Day.
Running from 9 am to 4 pm with free entry, the event marks the return of a much-loved tradition, with Society president Melanie Oppenheimer saying it’s been “a couple of years” since the last open day.
“So we thought we would have one and we’re working with the Walcha Business Group for their open Sunday, their first open Sunday for the year,” she said. “We thought it was a really good opportunity have our open day connected with that.”
That collaboration means the museum event will coincide with Sunday Welcomes @ Walcha, a seasonal trading day running from 10 am to 2 pm, inviting visitors to shop, indulge and explore the town. The combined events promise a full day out, with Oppenheimer encouraging people to make the most of everything on offer.
“This is the time, even for people coming down to Walcha for the day,” she said. “Come and enjoy the town and the beautiful autumn weather.”
The ‘Remember When…’ theme is designed to spark memories and conversations as visitors wander through the museum’s extensive and varied collection.
“We thought the theme ‘Remember When’ just really sums up our complex,” Ms Oppenheimer said. “We’ve got the pioneer cottage, which is 1860s, and then we’ve got some machinery sheds and all different sorts of things.”
“We thought people could go through and think, well, remember when we used that item, or remember when mum or grandmother used to wash clothes in this particular way… that sort of thing.”
The idea, she said, is to create a relaxed and reflective experience. “People can wander around and go, ‘oh yeah, remember when things were like that’ or when they built houses in that particular way.”
Adding to the atmosphere will be classic comforts, with Devonshire teas and a sausage sizzle available throughout the day.
“We’ve got our fabulous scones and cream and jam and things like that, so people can be well fed as they wander around and remember when,” Ms Oppenheimer said.
There will also be vintage vehicles on display, including classic cars and Mustangs, offering “a little bit of something for everybody”.
A highlight of the afternoon will be a book launch at 2 pm by author Robert Tickle, whose latest work explores the life and journey of Captain Robert Andrew Wauch.
“He lives down on the coast at Wauchope, but he has a lot of connections with Walcha, and he’s written a number of books,” Ms Oppenheimer said. “This is his latest… and about a third of the book is based around Walcha.”
“It’s got that local connection.”
While entry to the open day is free, visitors can support the volunteer-run organisation through small purchases and donations, with a handful of stalls also planned.
“We’d love a gold coin donation if you can,” Ms Oppenheimer said. “We’ll have a couple of little stalls selling books and other items.”
More than just a day out, the event highlights the vital role the museum plays in preserving and sharing Walcha’s history. Entirely volunteer-run, the society is always looking to welcome new members.
“Absolutely, we’re 100 per cent volunteer,” Ms Oppenheimer said. “So we’re always looking for new volunteers… new members of the society are always welcome.”
With a wide range of roles available, from helping in the local history centre to caring for collections, there are opportunities to suit many interests.
“We’ve got so many different things that people can do… really, it’s whatever your interest is,” she said, pointing to the museum’s diverse holdings, including a notable clothing collection and even a historic aircraft.
“It’s a really good opportunity for people who are new to Walcha as well to get involved,” she said. “It’s a great way to get involved in the community and also learn a bit about the town that you’ve moved into.”
For Oppenheimer, the appeal of the ‘Remember When…’ theme also reflects a broader sense of nostalgia.
“I think the idea to think back to maybe a calmer time or just when things were a little simpler… and a little bit more local,” she said.
With history, hospitality and community connection all on offer, Walcha’s museum open day is shaping up as a highlight on the autumn calendar, and the perfect excuse to slow down, look back, and remember when.
For more information about what’s on at the Pioneer Cottage and Museum, or to find out more about volunteering, visit the website.
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