Ararat - Langi Morgala Museum
The Museum's Aboriginal name translates as "home of yesterday". The collection is housed in a bluestone and brick building built in 1874 and is the home of the Ararat and District Historical Society.
Displays, including many photographs, dressed models, clothing and farm machinery, reflect the gold mining rush of 1856. The Mooney and Charles Best collections of Aboriginal artefacts are also featured. The large collection covers a wide variety of themes of local importance, and includes objects from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The objects are typically displayed under glass in cabinets with larger items on open display. Some domestic items are on open display in four themed "rooms".
Large pieces of machinery are displayed outside, along with the refurbished blacksmiths shop. Some more contemporary items, such as those relating to local World Champion & Olympic Cyclist Shane Kelly OAM and other local community organisations are also in the collection.
A rare 1603 James I silver shilling is also exhibited in the Museums coin collection
The Collection
The large eclectic collection covers a wide variety of themes of local importance, and includes objects from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Some of the individual collections are comprehensive and have been gathered with intent to demonstrate the history of a movement or an organization over time. Others are less complete, and some items are without provenance. The Museum includes some collections and individual items of a wider than local significance.
The Museum artefact, photographic and document collection is made up largely of donations by individuals within the Ararat district, The Museum collection is mainly displayed under glass in cabinets with larger items on open display. Some domestic items are on open display in four themed "rooms". Large pieces of machinery are dis-played outside, along with the refurbished Blacksmiths shop. The collection is strong in aspects of the nineteenth and early twentieth century history of the town and district. Some more contemporary items, such as those relating to local World Champion & Olympic Cyclist Shane Kelly OAM and other local community organizations are also in the collection.
The Museum also houses the largest collection of Aboriginal Artefacts in Victoria, and items provenanced to the Ararat goldfields as well as objects from the large squatters estates in the district, items relating to farming, commerce, war, social, domestic and community life. The surviving collection of an earlier Ararat Borough Museum set up around 1900 also form part of the collection. A rare 1603 James I silver shilling is also exhibited in the Museums coin collection.
History of the Museum Building
The red brick and bluestone building, designed by Architect Alexander White, the first Engineer of the Ararat Shire, was built for Michael Byrne Carroll in 1874. Mr Carroll first used the building dealing in farm products. He also had cattle yards adjoining where he held stock sales.
The building held several tenants until the late 1880's or early 1890's when Dodd and Hargreaves took over the premises and carried on the business of Wool Brokers and General Agents.
Thomas Gibson, Stock and Station Agent and Auctioneer had an office in the building, this was adjoining Dodd and Hargreaves and the door on the South side was a separate entrance to Mr Gibson's office.
Later Mr Richard Hargeaves senior took over the business and purchased the building and traded under the name of Hargreaves and sons. The firm later became Hargreaves Brothers, and they occupied the building for 50 years, During World War II, the Army Authorities used the building to store emergency canned food supplies. At a later date, Prestige occupied the building and along with products, they manufactured Parachutes. After the war, Prestige purchased the building from Hargreaves Brothers and used it as a store house and despatch depot.
In November 1968, the Ararat City Council, purchased the building from Prestige and allotted it to the Ararat and District Historical Society to establish a Museum. Its name derives partly from a local 'naming' competition that was held, and the Aboriginal word 'Morgala', meaning 'yesterday' was chosen, the winning entry was submitted by local resident Mrs. Catherine McHutchison of Barkly Street, later the word 'Langi', meaning 'home' was added. Langi Morgala Museum (the 'Home of Yesterday') was officially opened on 23rd October 1970.
The building has a National Trust Heritage "C" Classification.
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Location
48 Queen Street, Ararat 3377 Map
✆ (03) 5352 3117
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