The Burke Museum

The Burke Museum

Main collections include: Goldmining and life on the goldfields, R.E. Johns Aboriginal Collection, Beechworth Chinese Community Collection, Local Families, Identities Collection, Natural History and Development, Archives, Ned Kelly.

Address: 
Loch Street, Beechworth, VIC
Tel: 
0357281420
Hours: 
10.30am - 3.30pm daily; 10.00am - 3.30pm during school holidays
Admission: 
Adult $5.50, Concession $3.50, Student groups, $3.00
Facilities: 
Museum shop, education programs, guided tours, venue hire, research and photographic copy service.
Collection: 
In 1863 the Burke Museum was added to the Beechworth Public Library and Athenaeum (est 1856) in honour of Robert O'Hara Burke, the explorer of Burke and Wills fame. Today the Burke Museum presents cultural and natural heritage material, which contributes to the understanding and appreciation of the customs, activities, historic episodes, the natural environment and local identities associated with the Beechworth area.

Items

Wheelbarrow

Miners Wheelbarrow

Miners Wheelbarrow
Creator:
Unknown
Description:
Miners wheelbarrow used on the Beechworth Goldfield
Date:
C.1890
Item Id Number:
BMM

Teapot

Teapot, Fuschia Pattern

Teapot, Fuschia Pattern
Creator:
The Ovens Pottery, Beechworth
Description:
Earthenware Teapot, Fuschia Pattern, Rockingham Glaze, H 22.5cm, D 24.5cm.
Date:
C.1890
Item Id Number:
BMM: 79.84

Toy

Toy Wooden Horse and Cart

Toy Wooden Horse and Cart
Creator:
Unknown
Description:
Painted wooden toy horse and cart
Date:
1863
Item Id Number:
BMM:

The toy was won at a carnival held in Beechworth in 1863 by Sam Coade. The toy was used by Sam's younger brother, Joseph, prior to his death in 1868 aged 10 years. Following his death the toy horse and cart was retained as a 'memorial' to him and the other children were not permitted to play with it.

Stained Glass Window

Burke Memorial Window

Burke Memorial Window
Creator:
Ferguson and Vrie, Melbourne
Description:
A memorial to Robert O'Hara Burke
Date:
1874

The window was made to order in 1874 by Ferguson and Vrie in Melbourne at a cost of 30 pounds. Installed at the Burke Museum in 1874 as a memorial to Robert O'Hara Burke. Design taken from the National Colonial flag of Australia 1820: cross of St George in red, NSW emblem in golden red, emblem of England (rose), Scotland (thistle), Ireland (Shamrock). In the blue disk is the Southern Cross in gold stars.

Aboriginal Shield

Broad Shield

Broad Shield
Creator:
Unknown
Description:
Broad Shield, Avoca, Victoria
Date:
C.1860

Forms part of the RE Johns collection of Aboriginal artefacts from S.E. Australia. Purchased by the Burke Museum in 1869. This collection was exhibited at the Paris International Exhibition of 1878