Museum keeps going through relocation

THE Queenscliffe Historical Museum (QMH) is planning for life in its new temporary home while the Queenscliffe Hub is being constructed.

QMH publicity officer Eddie Loughnan said the relocation of the museum’s entire collection, along with administrative furniture and equipment, was well on the way to being finished.

“The Committee of the Queenscliffe Historical Museum is still actively planning its future, including engaging a consultant to advise on the exhibition and display area to be set up in the new premises, and is looking for inspiration to enliven the visitor experience in the new, reinvigorated Museum.

“Extremely capable and motivated volunteers have been carefully packing and recording the priceless collection of the Queenscliffe Historical Museum and as a result, hundreds of wrapped boxes have been relocated to their temporary homes.

“Each item has been stored in a readily identified box or location and is recorded in the museum’s computer system for easy retrieval, while the collection is in temporary accommodation during the Hub rebuild.”

The archives have been transferred to the Maritime Museum, while the QHM administration and research unit and their resources will be transferred to the tavern at the bottom of Hesse Street ready for the temporary Hub to open in the first week in November.

“The museum will be joined by the Library and Visitor Information Centre but some functions of each will be limited because of space restrictions as well as observing COVID protocols,” Mr Loughnan said.

“However, the research unit is continuing to respond to continuing requests for assistance, as well as supporting remote internship for two Monash University post-graduate students who are recording the impact of the coronavirus on the borough.

“As soon as COVID restrictions are freed up, the museum plans to resume its activities as well as screening some of the popular old movies showing life in the borough.”