Happy Birthday to the Historical Society Nov 25th 2017
In 1967 a group of local residents, concerned at the continuing deterioration of the old school building, met at a Public Meeting in Twyford Hall and elected a committee headed by President Noel Fisk. The Imlay and District Historical Society held its first meeting on October 30th and then spent seven years fundraising, researching and building a collection of objects, photos and documents, while negotiating with the Council in the hope of using the school as a museum.
After many years of negotiation, in 1973 the Society was granted rights of occupancy and set about the major conservation work needed to bring the building to the standard required for its use as a museum. The official opening of the Old School Museum took place on October 7th 1974 and in 1982 the name of the Society changed to Merimbula-Imlay Historical Society.
To remember the effort of the early members who worked hard fifty years ago to preserve the old building there will be a celebration held in the grounds of the Old School Museum on Saturday 25 November at 2.30pm. The day will include displays, vintage cars, food from the sixties, music and dancing! Andrew McManus will also launch his book titled Preserving Our Heritage: the 50th anniversary history of the Merimbula-Imlay Historical Society. It focuses on the efforts of the Society to preserve historic sites, in particular the Old School Museum building, and objects, photographs and documents of local historic importance.
Entry by gold coin donation.
In 1967 a group of local residents, concerned at the continuing deterioration of the old school building, met at a Public Meeting in Twyford Hall and elected a committee headed by President Noel Fisk. The Imlay and District Historical Society held its first meeting on October 30th and then spent seven years fundraising, researching and building a collection of objects, photos and documents, while negotiating with the Council in the hope of using the school as a museum.