We are excited and grateful to be opening new History Rooms at Sorell Memorial Hall.
Thanks to a substantial Federal Government grant, Sorell Council has extended Sorell Memorial Hall to the east, adding two history rooms (North and South) and a green room with change facilities and storage for stage performances.
Our ‘old’ History Room to the left of the main hall entrance (originally the ladies cloak room) has become the Archive Room, with added temperature/humidity control, updated cataloguing and extra storage.
As well as setting up displays in the North and South Rooms and reorganising the Archive Room, we were the successful Tasmanian applicants for a grant through the FRRR Telstra Connected Communities Program. Our project, Unlocking Our Rich Past in a Digital Future, is creating a more accessible digital collection and website interface, online and in person at the new Sorell History Rooms, for greater local and visitor engagement.
Many thanks…
We are proud to share our story, thankful to our members and to everyone who has contributed to the collection.
Special thanks to the our committee and members for advocating for the extension over many years, and our dedicated team of volunteer curators (Peta, Jo, Colin, Melinda, Bronwyn and helpers) for their expertise and the hundreds of hours they’ve given in recent months. In particular, Colin’s extensive experience in computing, mapping, photography and award-winning theatre design has underpinned the new digital collection.
Our deep appreciation to Tasmanian Aboriginal Elders, Colleen Mundy and Cheryl Mundy, who patiently guide our growing understanding of Palawa culture and the deep history of this place.
Thank you to then Federal member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell MP, who secured the extension funding in 2021, to Sorell Councillors, Council staff and everyone who’s contributed.
Visit at Sorell and online
The new History Rooms are on the eastern side of the Sorell Memorial Hall at 47 Cole Street Sorell, from the courtyard behind the CWA Rooms or inside the main hall to the right.
- At the east entrance we acknowledge the Mumirimina and Palawa
- In the North Room we introduce the rich history of the Sorell district from deep time to today.
- The South Room features a themed exhibit – opening with Toys & Transport
- The Archive Room is now closed to the public.
- Facilities include custom-made display drawers and plinths, computer tablets for research, air conditioning and an all-access toilet.
The extension, new exhibition and research space has been completed 71 years after Sorell Memorial Hall opened in 1954.
We are proud to share our story, thankful to our members and to everyone who has contributed to this collection.
Windows and glass doors join the two spaces so that the hall becomes a permanent exhibit in itself, while hall-goers and passers-by can look through to items from the collection on the screens and on display.
Our volunteers will open the new History Rooms when there are markets and other community events at the hall, plus most Thursdays or by appointment. New members and donations are most welcome.
Enjoy exploring here and online. Please be mindful there is information about people who have passed away and some historical wording that is no longer considered acceptable.