Exhibitions
Fashions in Focus
Our current exhibition “Fashion in Focus” covers outfits from the 1930s to the 1990s. Many items are on loan from members wardrobes. The Yarram Historical Society has loaned us several gowns and pairs of shoes. The curation of this exhibition was ably done by Mauzie who assisted a team of members. Several garments are accompanied by photos of the items being warn.
Immigration Exhibition 1850-2022
“A World of stories from people who, themselves, or their ancestors, left the lands of their birth to live in the Corner Inlet district of Australia will be told in a new exhibition presented by the Foster and District Historical Society Inc.” The Mirror Nov 2022.
This fascinating glimpse into our past and present heritage will open on Sunday 4th December
, 2pm, and be open to the public throughout 2023 subject to opening hours.
The society, once again, has been very fortunate to have received loans of many beautiful family treasures. In addition photographic portraits from our extensive archives have been supplemented by thumbnail sketches and photos of local identities.
We are grateful for funding from the State Government’s Victorian Multicultural Affairs Grants Program.
Communications Past and Present
The exhibition traces changes in different forms of communication in the district since the early days of settlement. The main subjects include Postal service, telecommunications, railways, roads, radio and television. A mockup of part of a lounge room of around 1960 has been created with radio, b&w tv and dial telephone. A model railway representing the former Foster station is shown in the dress cabinet. Also an early commercial projector once used in local halls is displayed.
The Power of Water
The Hydroelectric scheme in Toora.
The Road to the Prom
We are presenting “The Road to the Prom”; our long-running exhibition that examines the opening up of Yanakie Run for soldier settlements and subsequently rural settlement during the 50s and 60s. Also on view are many photos and information displays on the Prom from those decades.
South Gippsland at war 1914-1918
ANZAC CENTENARY 2014-2018
Sharing Victoria’s Stories & Making Connections
Foster & District Historical Society Inc presented South Gippsland at war 1914-1918 from 28 March 2015 to 31 January 2016.
This exhibition was opened by the Hon Ted Baillieu.
FAMDA – 60 Years of Foster Theatre
The Official Opening of the current exhibition at the Foster & District Historical Society Inc Museum in the old Post Office was at 5pm, 4th November 2013.
Edwin Coad, FAMDA President gave an entertaining speech, ably supported by Mohya Davies, Councillor, and Dick Straw, Life Member, who formally declared the exhibition open. Jennifer Jones, President of the Historical Society welcomed all attendees to the Museum. The ‘birthday’ cake was cut with due ceremony, and song, and the oral proceedings were ‘captured’ for future generations! All in all a most pleasant evening.
Cornerstone of the Nation
We were proud to be associated with these two exhibitions. One, “Cornerstone of the Nation”, Wilsons Promontory’s role during World War ll at the Museum.
Called the ‘cornerstone of the continent’ by George Bass when he discovered the area in 1798, this exhibition highlighted the importance of Wilsons Promontory within the nation’s security during W.W.ll and its role in the training of selected soldiers for guerilla warfare.
and two, “Debt of Honour” a photographic exhibition by Bruce Butler, at Stockyard Gallery. Details on a previous notification.
Opened on Wednesday 20th February 2013, 7pm at Stockyard Gallery
Debt of Honour – Bruce Butler
Photographic Exhibition by Bruce Butler
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STOCKYARD GALLERY AN EXHIBITION WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 19 FEB 2013 TO 21 MARCH 2013.
The exhibition is a small part of Bruce Butler’s major exhibition “A Debt of Honour” housed in Perth. We have been honoured on account of providing photographs and information. The photographs reflect the debt owed by Australia to the Timorese people for their support 40 years ago. It tells the story of Australia’s first commando units who, in 1942 fought in Portuguese Timor (now East Timor).
A small display of commandos training at Wilson’s Promontory will be held at the same time.
Further details are in the latest newsletter available for download from this website.
No More than Five Miles
No More Than Five Miles: School Days in Prom Country told the story of the many one-teacher schools scattered throughout our district in the days when it was declared that no child should have to travel ‘more than five miles’ to receive an education.
L-R: Cr Warren Raabe, Mayor of South Gippsland Shire, Jennifer Jones, President of Foster & District Historical Society,
Cr Jeanette Harding, South Gippsland Shire, and in front, the captains of Foster Primary School 2012.
The exhibition had three parts:
1 A display of photographs and objects which conveys the major themes of schooling in the district in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Folders of photographs from local schools were also included in this display – see the changes in school dress over the years or see if you can find yourself in one of these photographs;
2 The 100 year-old former Agnes School building, located in the museum grounds, which re-creates a one-teacher school at the time the building was opened in 1912 – see what children were learning – and how they were taught – in the early years of the twentieth century;
3 A self-guided drive following the ‘Location Guide of District State Primary School Sites’, which provided a brief summary of all the one-teacher schools in the district, of which only six are still open, and a map which also provides GPS locations – take a drive around our beautiful district and locate all 39 former school sites.
This exhibition was generously funded by the Lions Club of Toora and the South Gippsland Shire.