Ararat - J Ward Museum
Take a guided tour explaining the early history of the goldfield times and later, the incarceration of the criminally insane.
Relive its past by taking a guided tour conducted by the Friends of J Ward volunteers. These people are passionate about J Ward's heritage. J Ward is not just dry history. Our volunteers tell its story of people who lived, who broke the law, who couldn't help themselves, who feared, who died.
This building was originally opened as the Ararat Gaol in 1861. Between 1887 and 1991 it operated as a ward of the Ararat Asylum and named 'J Ward'. Visitors will experience how the gaol and asylum operated for over 130 years. You can see how prisoners lived in the early years and then how the building was used to house the criminally insane. Take a fascinating journey that will introduce you to colourful and dangerous characters. You will hear stories about tragic events such as hangings, suicides and escapes. The buildings and displays also show how alterations were made due to a change in attitude to the incarceration standards for mentally ill patients in the 1940s.
Opening Hours:
Tour Times
Cost:
Tour Prices
Location
Cnr Girdlestone St and Basham St, Ararat 3377 Map
✆ (03) 5352 3357
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ www.jward.org.au
