New exhibition brings Whyalla’s history into focus at Mount Laura Homestead
Mount Laura Homestead Museum has completed the first stage of its biggest exhibition upgrade in more than 50 years, with a new permanent display inside the historic homestead.
The exhibition brings together objects that tell the story of the homestead and early pastoral life, as well as Whyalla’s shipping, mining and Army history. Familiar favourites, including the schoolroom and homestead room, have also been refreshed.
The work between Whyalla City Council and the National Trust of South Australia’s Whyalla Branch has improved how its collection is presented. A detailed audit of the museum helped guide the project, including an assessment of 1,305 objects previously on display in the homestead and hundreds more in storage.
Before the exhibition could be installed, Council arranged repairs inside and outside the homestead. The rooms were then cleared, with furniture and artefacts moved into temporary storage while the new displays took shape. Whyalla business T&D Cabinetmakers manufactured and installed the new display cabinets. Local businesswoman Skai Skorup-Matthews from TickledInk also played a part in supporting this exhibition by volunteering her time and scanning, restoring, printing and assisting install over 100 historical SA National Trust photos in newly fitted-out displays.
Project curator Paul Mazourek said creating a permanent exhibition meant thinking carefully about which objects to show and the stories they would tell for years to come.
“There are so many objects in the collection, each with a connection to Whyalla’s past,” Mr Mazourek said. “This project gave us the chance to look closely at what we have and bring some of those stories together in a clearer way.”
Mount Laura Homestead Museum Chairperson Vicki Walker, who has volunteered at the museum on and off for about 20 years, said seeing the rooms come together had been rewarding.
“This place is our baby, and we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved,” Ms Walker said. “The museum has grown through decades of hard work by volunteers. We want to build on that and make sure people can keep enjoying it for years to come.”
Museum Secretary Petrina Morse helped assess and prepare the collection before working with Ms Walker to set up the displays.
“We had a school group come through, and seeing the teachers’ reactions to the new set up was lovely,” Ms Morse said. “It makes all the work worthwhile. We’re proud of what’s here now and excited to keep improving the museum.”
The volunteers thanked Mr Mazourek and Council for their support and direction throughout the project. They are looking forward to welcoming the community to an open day and hope to add a screen showing videos and photographs about the museum’s collection.
Anyone interested in joining the museum committee or helping as a volunteer is encouraged to get in touch with Mount Laura Homestead Museum.
