“Cumquat marmalade anyone?” asks a friendly voice. It’s a fitting invitation to step into the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum. This museum unveils the captivating story of Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island.
The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum was founded in 1987. You’ll find it nestled at 15-17 Welsby Street in Dunwich. The museum is a short walk from the water taxis. Barges are also nearby. The museum invites you to combine your visit with coffee, lunch, and a stroll. The historic cemetery and Salt Water Murris Art Gallery are also worth a visit.
The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum comprises four distinct buildings. Each one offers a unique glimpse into the island’s past. There is the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum, the main building, and the Herdsman’s Hut. Do not miss the replica of the first Dunwich Post Office. The museum’s archives hold local documents and images.
The main building of the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum was special. The mineral sand mining company CRL built the front section. They used materials from a dismantled Benevolent Asylum ward. It housed two flats for the company’s employees. When the mining company no longer needed the building, the Museum committee proposed moving it to Point Lookout. Relocation proved impossible. The museum moved from Point Lookout to the building instead. Architect Chris Hills designed the back section in 2005-06.
Explore exhibits that highlight different facets of the island’s story. The Aboriginal Room showcases the rich heritage of the Quandamooka people. The Pioneer Room offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers. You can marvel at the Lighthouse exhibit. Learn about shipwrecks and the island’s maritime history. The Whale Skull, on loan from the Queensland Museum, is an impressive sight.
The replica foul ward houses photos and artifacts from the Benevolent Asylum. It was built with a Centenary of Federation Grant in 1998-99. Artie Rentoul built the single-skinned building with a fireplace. He followed the original plan by Andrew Petrie from 1872. The construction followed the building practices of the era. They avoided nail guns where possible.
The Herdsman’s Hut was part of the old Benevolent Asylum dairy. It was originally located on the corner of Mitchell Crescent and Welsby St. The herdsman’s hut served as a home for a long-time Island family. It also served as a Redland Shire Council depot. Volunteers dismantled and re-erected it on the Museum site in 1996.
The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum aims to document and display the shared journey of living together on Terrangerri / Minjerribah. The social history is Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.
Before you leave, browse the museum shop for a unique memento. Don’t miss the chance to grab a bottle of the museum’s famous cumquat marmalade. It is made on site. It is a sweet reminder of your visit to the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum.