Paterson Court House

The policy of the museum is to collect items relating to Paterson and the district - The collection is housed in the former Paterson Court House (1858-63) Fully restored externally and set in well maintained grounds. We extend country hospitality which complements the well accredited museum.

Address: 
3 Lexington Parade, Adamstown Heights, NSW
Tel: 
0249434526
Hours: 
1pm Sundays, or by appointment
Admission: 
Adults $2, Children under 16 free
Facilities: 
Guided tours, council library (restricted hours)
Collection: 
The history of Paterson and District covering indigenous, white settlement, convict times to district development to present day in a relaxing well presented atmosphere.

Subject:

Items

Museum Building

Paterson Court House Museum

Paterson Court House Museum
Creator:
Builder: Charles Mack, Architect: Mortimer Lewis Jnr
Description:
Former Court House, Italinate style, fully restored externally to original colours - Grounds re-contoured with build up of soil (1 metre in some places).
Date:
1858.63
Item Id Number:
Court room hallway

Substantial government grants - Dungog Shire Council finance and Paterson Historical Society funds have been spent to make this building an outstanding reminder of past busy times of the Paterson when it was the hub of activity for the Paterson Court House Museum.

Standing Exhibition

"My Country" Dorothea Mackellar (Poet)

"My Country" Dorothea Mackellar (Poet)
Creator:
Val Anderson - Paterson Historical Society
Description:
Photographic and written record of the Hunter Valley, inspiration and origins of Australia's most famous poem.
Date:
1856-1989
Item Id Number:
Duniald Room

The Mackellar family owned "Torryburn" (9kms from Paterson) at the turn of the Century. Dorothea Mackella was drought break and gave inspiration to write a poem to a friend in England. It was published in 1908 - President of Gunnedah Historical Society, states four centre verses written at Paterson (Torryburn). "My Country" book published by Val Anderson, 1997.

Stone

Tocal Murder Stone

Tocal Murder Stone
Creator:
Val Anderson, Paterson Historical Society
Description:
1/3 of stone, tied to murder victim

In 1874 a torso was found at Webbers Creek (The head the following day). It had been in the creek attached to a larger stone which broke when the body was retrieved - the other two thirds dropped back into the creek. Victim never identified - Man & two sons acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Banner

Manchester Unity Paterson Lodge Banner

Manchester Unity Paterson Lodge Banner
Creator:
George Tuttil - London
Description:
Double sided banner surrounded by coloured silk and silk tassle. Original box and replaced silk on display in courtroom.
Date:
1901
Item Id Number:
Courtroom Display

It is the only surviving banner of any order in the Hunter Valley and thought to be the only banner of this style in Australia.

Standing Exhibition

Rev. Rupp, The orchidman of Paterson

Creator:
Val Anderson, Mabs & Bill Keppie - Paterson Historical Society
Description:
Photographic and written record of orchid recordings by Rev H.Rupp whilst rector of St Paul's Anglican Church Paterson 1924-30
Date:
1924.3
Item Id Number:
Keppie Room

Rev H Rupp is considered one of Australia's foremost orchid authorities. He recorded and named many unknown Australian native orchids in the Paterson and Surrounding District. Rev. H Rupp - The Orchidman of Paterson