The Society holds a vast collection of valuables and memorabilia that cover the past two centuries in Crookwell.

Volunteers have collected, and painstakingly catalogued photographs, paintings, archives, valuables and much more. 

Historical Society members Marion Brace, Jenny Painter and Dianne Ball have a combined decade of volunteer hours spent at the society.

They believe that they need more space to store and display the memorabilia. 

​“Yesterday, we outgrew the space,” Ms Ball said.

“People have donated things from the early 1800s,” Ms Painter added.

In the past the Historical Society has had to turn back sizable donations due to the lack of storage and display space, so much so that people have stopped donations of large items. 

An old Wooden Koerstz Woolpress is currently stored in a shed.

“We’ve put it out there because we can’t take anything that big,” Mrs Brace said.

Other items include a painting of the Lenin Gates in France and a painting of the HMAS Australia – the first flagship of Royal Australian Navy 1913-1920. Its frame is made from the actual boat. 

There is also collectible china wear with detailed artwork painted on it with the view over Crookwell, and the outlook of Goulburn Street.

Taralga’s Historical Society had grounds and a hall donated to them. It has an old school building which was dismantled and moved to the museum and in a shed they have an old wool and shearing press.

“It would be ideal to get a museum,” Ms Painter said. 

The Society works with both the Upper Lachlan Shire Council (ULSC) and holds a permanent exhibition at the Crookwell Visitor Information Centre. The display is rotated depending on the season, and what is happening in town, Mrs Painter said. 

“Preservation of the Shire’s history is of great importance to the council and the work of the Crookwell and District Historical Society is highly valued,” ULSC general manager, John Bell, said 

“Council is aware of the current space constraints at their current premises and are committed to continuing to work in consultation with the Historical Society to find a suitable solution.

“As an interim measure, Council staff will shortly be assisting with the installation of donated compactable cupboards which will free up some space at the current premises, allowing the wonderful team of volunteers at the Historical Society to continue to carry-out their important work,” Mr Bell said.