Picture: AMY MAYNARD
MILLICENT National Trust Living History Museum’s annual Heritage Day continues to draw visitors to the region to learn more about the town’s past, with 300 people exploring the historical institution over the weekend.
The museum’s doors opened on Sunday as hundreds of residents and visitors descended on the facility to make the most of the free day out.
Crowds took a step back in time as the museum came alive with horse and carts, working vintage machinery and old-fashioned games.
Adelaide-based horsedrawn vehicle historian and restorer Peter Foster returned to the South East to demonstrate the skilled art of hand drawn line marking on a vintage horse drawn buggy wheel.
Community members and museum volunteers dressed in period costume to guide guests around the displays, with the operative blacksmith workshop proving popular.
National Trust secretary Chris Parmenter said as well as drawing in visitors from across the Limestone Coast, the event now also brings in tourists from Victoria.
“This year we also have historical car clubs who are coming in as a group as well,” he said.
“Heritage Day often attracts a lot of families, which is what we want as it’s an opportunity for children to learn more about the past.
“We believe that history is for everyone and if a family has three or four kids, it’s a good way to get them into the museum for the day.”
Mr Parmenter said Heritage Day is traditionally free, with the museum finding ways to bring history to life for guests.
“Heritage Day is an opportunity for us to promote our community, as well as families having a fun day out,” he said.
“As volunteers we’re very proud of our museum and the history within it.”
National Trust member Noel Boyle said the addition of antique games at this year’s event aimed to provide children with an interactive dimension into the museum experience.
“The idea for the games is for children to see that history does not have to be a static thing,” he said.
“History can come alive and we encourage younger people to come to the museum.”
The games included a giant chess set which was supervised by the Girl Guides.
Mr Boyle said the museum was eager to get the Guides involved in the museum’s annual ‘Murder Mystery’ night as part of the Geltwood Festival.
Mr Parmenter also thanked the Millicent Lions Club who were serving donuts on the day.
