Kempsey Museum

Kempsey Museum The Museum, housed in the unique Glenn Murcutt Building adjacent to the Dhungutti-Ngaku Aboriginal A b) The Research Department. c) The Photographic Section.

The history of the Macleay Valley is as fascinating as it is diverse and one of the best ways to appreciate it is to visit the Macleay River Historical Society's award winning Museum in South Kempsey. The Museum, housed in the unique Glenn Murcutt Building adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre, traces the valley's history from the time of the Aborigines to today. The Museum has Disabled Acces

s and Bus Groups are most welcome. The museum has three categories:

a) Collections and displays of historic artifacts. These have been selected on the basis of their interest and relevance to the Macleay district. There is an extensive collection of local history and family files in our library and record room. This service is available for anyone wishing to research local families, locations and topics. Our collection includes more than 40,000 images and photographs, most of which are fully catalogued and cross-referenced. History on the Macleay is covered here from 1830 to the present. This world-class asset is made up not only from local donations but also from several major collections of professional quality. High quality prints may be obtained at a very reasonable price. Volunteering
If you can spare a day or a few hours per week why not think about volunteering at Kempsey Museum. At Kempsey Museum, you have the opportunity of working with and learning from our experienced and qualified volunteers in various areas such as collection cataloguing, digital photography, writing and researching local history, and conservation techniques. Computer skills in areas such as databases and spreadsheets can be gained and full training is offered. Kempsey Museum recently completed the Standards Programme administered by Museums and Galleries NSW.

As Anzac Day once again approaches, it is fitting that our community remembers the sacrifices made by those from the Mac...
19/04/2026

As Anzac Day once again approaches, it is fitting that our community remembers the sacrifices made by those from the Macleay Valley who served.

The Kempsey Museum has a range of books on sale on the local history of our valley community, including a number of books relating to those brave local individuals.

17/04/2026

Anyone interested in the history of Australian showbiz might be interested in an author talk at the Kempsey Library tomorrow, Saturday 18 April at 10am.

Jacquelin Melilli is an author and researcher of Australian entertainment history, and her talk will explore the unsung heroes of Australian showbiz from the 1920s to the 1950s.

As part of her talk, Jacqueline will share the following:

- A filmed interview of Shirley Broadway, who toured the country in the 1930s as a child vaudeville performer, and later worked with Bert Newton and Graham Kennedy.

- A filmed interview of Frank Gasser's account of surviving multiple wildcat attacks during his Circus Royale days

- The entertainers who toured to raise funds for the Association for the Advancement of the Blind

- The controversial polio therapies used by Sister Elizabeth Kenny and her nurses.

The talk is free to attend but requires booking a ticket through Kempsey Library, which can be arranged via the Kempsey Shire Library website.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Gladstone, or sharing your knowledge of the area with others...
31/03/2026

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Gladstone, or sharing your knowledge of the area with others, here is an ideal opportunity! Mark the date: Saturday 18 April !!

17/02/2026

A reminder to our valued Macleay River Historical Society members that fees for the 2026 calendar year are now due.

We hope that you will renew your membership, which will mean that you will continue to assist us to preserve, publish and display the history of the Macleay Valley, and to provide research services to all those who wish to learn more about the history of their local families and communities.

Also, please note that new members are always very welcome!!

Memberships are $25 per year, which includes the following:

1. Four quality journals per year (free for pick up, or $10 extra for full year for postage to your home address)
2. Free entry to Kempsey Museum for the year.
3. Discounts for research and photograph orders
4. Back copies of previous journals are also always available.
5. Family memberships are also available

Please see more information and forms at www.kempseymuseum.org.au; or call in to meet our friendly volunteers at Kempsey Museum in South Kempsey Park at 62 Lachlan Street, South Kempsey. We are open from 10am to 4pm every day of the year except Good Friday and Christmas Day!

We are very grateful for this wonderful feedback!
15/12/2025

We are very grateful for this wonderful feedback!

🌟 A Huge Thank You to Macleay River Historical Society! 🌟

We’re incredibly grateful to the Macleay River Historical Society for their amazing support in helping us complete our list of Showgirl winners from 1968 to 2025.

Their professionalism and dedication truly stood out.
They went above and beyond by diving into archived editions of the Macleay Argus to uncover photos and details of our past winners.

Thanks to their help, we now have a beautifully complete record that celebrates the legacy of our Showgirls through the years.

If you're ever searching for historical information or need help with local archives, we highly recommend reaching out to the team at Macleay River Historical Society.

Their knowledge and willingness to assist is second to none!

Great news! Are you looking for a Christmas present, or a handy calendar for your wall? If so, you are in luck! The Macl...
12/12/2025

Great news! Are you looking for a Christmas present, or a handy calendar for your wall?

If so, you are in luck! The Macleay River Historical Society calendars for 2026 are now on sale at Kempsey Museum in South Kempsey Park.

Come in and get your copy while stocks last!!

At the Christmas Morning Tea of the Macleay River Historical Society at Kempsey Museum this morning, our wonderful volun...
09/12/2025

At the Christmas Morning Tea of the Macleay River Historical Society at Kempsey Museum this morning, our wonderful volunteer Margaret Jopling was awarded a Life Membership of our society!

02/12/2025

The members of the Macleay River Historical Society wish to express their condolences to our fellow volunteer and friend, Rozzi Jaenke and her family on the recent sad loss of her father.

Send a message to learn more

05/11/2025

For those who cannot attend the service we invite you to join us via the livesteam link below:

https://www.youtube.com/live/cLcHTVCDYE8

NOTE - Livestreaming is a free service to view. You will never be asked for credit card details or payment requests for this service or to support a charity. If you suspect anything suspicious, please report immediately

Address

62 Lachlan Street
Kempsey, NSW
2440

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

02 6562 7572

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