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GUARDIANS OF BEGA'S HERITAGE
Bega Family' Hotel, Bega Street. Now the home of the Bega Museum.
The late Miss Bernice Smith, M.B.E. had a life- time dedication to Bega where she had collected so much material of historic interest that it Became necessary to consider the formation of an Historical Society and Museum.
Therefore, on 20th November 1967. The Mayor Of Bega, Alderman D. B. Goldberg. called a meeting for that purpose. Nominations for the steering committee were called , the following being elected: Miss Bernice Smith and Miss Kate Ritchie, Messrs N. Ford, H. Blomfield, R. Mills, B. Grosvenor, D. Balmain.
A shop in French's Building in Church Street was rented and served as a museum through the good offices of Bega Municipal Council and the Rotary Club of Bega,
(A Rotarian, the late Mr. Austin Sturah, making a considerable reduction in the rent of the historic building.)
The first president of the society was Mr. Hal Blomfield, M r. Frank Liebert being Vices President and Miss Bernice Smith secretary.
A great deal of voluntary work was necessary To house the many exhibits and display them to Advantage.
Meanwhile, Miss Smith had written a “Brief History of Bega'' which the society published. As Research Officer she devoted a great deal of time To the family histories sought by so many ex-residents.
The official opening of the museum took place on Saturday 24th January 1970,
The Mayor of Bega. Alderman Reg Clarke officiating. At the annual meeting in 1971, Mr. Blomfield resigned owing to pressure of other activities and Mr. Bernard Miller took the helm for the next three years, being succeeded in 1974 by Mr. Jack Burgess
Mrs Hetty Laws gave the society a handsome book beautifully inscribed by Mrs. Marjorie Steel, recording the names of organisations and individuals who were so generous in giving their time and talents to the establishment of the
Museum's permanent home - the former Family Hotel, purchased from the Scanes estate in 1976.
The opening of the restored Family Museum took place on l6th April 1977
A day memorable in Bega 's history for practically every organisation and resident
co-operated to make the street procession, sports afternoon and colonial ball at the Bega Showground outstandingly successful. The museum's visitors books record the names and flattering comments of the thousands from all over the world who have spent hours on conducted tours by dedicated voluntary workers whose interest augurs well for the future.
Amongst these volunteers is Mr. Fred Kirkland in whose honour the Kirkland Buildings were named in December 1984.
THE BEGA VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Incoiporating
THE BEGA PIONEERS’ MUSEUM
We are committed to advancing the understanding and a deeper
appreciation of the Bega Valley’s diverse and fascinating history.
Our principal activities include:
Archival Management
Local History Research
Family History Research
Temporary Exhibitions
Visits to Historic Sites
Society Meetings
School Visits
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