Diaries and hidden treasures reveal stories of locals’ ancestors

AN exhibition showcasing a diverse range of mementos that reflect the countries of origin of local residents will open at Bangalow Heritage House & Museum on Sunday 25 January.

Titled Shaking the Family Tree, the exhibition will be launched by journalist and broadcaster Mick O’Regan, who will interview several exhibitors about why their ancestors chose to migrate to Australia and the challenges they faced.

Among the displays is a diary written by a local resident’s English great-great-grandfather, who worked on the Victorian goldfields as a teenager. Another features a collection of pre–World War II photographs of a Central European family who sent their non-English-speaking son to Australia at just 18 years of age to avoid becoming “Nazi cannon fodder” like his classmates.

“We’ve collected a range of items for this exhibition,” Bangalow Historical Society president Trisha Bleakley said.

“In some families, it might be fading photos of distant ancestors. For others, it’s press clippings, a musical box, a ceramic item or a scarf that reminds them of the country some of their forebears left behind. We look forward to receiving many more items to add to this evolving collection over coming months, which will build up a picture of the wide range of nationalities who live in our community, and who have made such a positive impact.”

Bleakley said “shaking the family tree” and exploring the lives of ancestors often led people to feel a stronger sense of connection to previous generations.

“It can be therapeutic to research family history, to help you understand the challenges your ancestors faced,” she said. “Learning how they overcame hardships can inspire resilience and show that you can triumph over difficult times.”

The Historical Society will hold a raffle for the six-week duration of the exhibition, with a DNA test as the prize, which may – or may not – uncover hidden family secrets.

Bangalow Heritage House & Museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 2pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

Entry during the exhibition is $5 or by donation. For more information, phone 6687 2183.