Location: Gulgong
Offers: Display of the Holtermann collection, pre-eminent goldrush-era photographs
We spoke to: a volunteer – Catherine Gaudry
The Holtermann Collection, held by the State Library NSW, is a wet plate photographic collection of global, historical importance, representing colonial and goldfield life in 1860s and1870s. The collection is registered on the UNESCO World Memory Register – a register of items of world significance and outstanding universal value.
Looking over the 3,500 glass plate photographs is, indeed, possibly the very best way to get a true sense of colonial life and goldfield life in Sydney, Melbourne, Victorian Goldfields and Central West NSW goldfields during the goldrush era of the 1860s-1870s.
The collection is a unique treasure, made possible by advancements in early collodion photographic technology, and now displayed in high definition with the advantage of modern touchscreen technology today. The Holtermann Museum in Gulgong provides this singular offering, and naturally attracts visitors, researchers and family historians from all over the country, and the world, to this small rural town.
Built largely by community volunteers as an extension behind two of the town’s earliest, heritage-listed shop fronts. The Gulgong Holtermann Museum officially opened in 2019 and stands as a testament to the town’s commitment to preserving and honouring its history. Besides being an internationally recognised museum, it is integral to Gulgong’s historical, social, and communal character.
The museum welcomes walk-ins as well as bookings for larger groups. On a busy day as many as fifty people might come through the door, and at least once a month a busload of travelling tourists or a school group are welcomed in.
All visitors are greeted with a comprehensive introduction to the Holtermann Collection, Gulgong’s history and a demonstration of the technology which enhances their exploration of the photographs. This is a key aspect of the experience they provide.
While visitation remains steady, visitor numbers have not returned to what they were before or immediately after the COVID lockdowns.
Improving the marketing outreach is an area of current development, as well as a revamp of the museum website. The team at GHM is investing in a boost to their presence on social media and online generally.
The museum is listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), however, there is more that can be undertaken on this platform.
Over the next twelve months, the Mid-Western Regional Council is planning a promotional drive on tourist attractions that fall outside Mudgee CBD and the traditional sectors of food and wine.
When there is a large event on in Mudgee, regional towns do get some spillover from visitors to the district.
In Gulgong, there are four museums, each of which has a specific focus. The streetscape of Gulgong transports visitors to a nineteenth-century space which includes historic buildings, and the impressive Prince of Wales Opera House. These make Gulgong an unmissable destination for anyone interested in this period of the country’s history.
Things are ticking along well for the Holtermann Museum, thanks to the collection’s esteemed reputation and the work of a team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers and a dedicated Management Committee.
Certainly, the town and its museums are a cultural tourism commodity worth preserving. With appropriate support and collective effort, the town and museums can be appreciated for generations to come.
Three tips we got from Catherine:
- Invest in exhibiting what you have to the highest possible standard.
- Make the effort to engage and educate every one of your visitors so they walk away with a positive, personal, experience.
- Volunteers are essential – create a space where the volunteer community feels welcome and supported.
More info:
https://www.instagram.com/gulgongholtermannmuseum/?hl=en
https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/mudgee-area/gulgong
IMAGES: Supplied
