We are excited and very grateful to open 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 right of the main hall entrance has become the Archive Room, with added temperature/humidity control, updated cataloguing and extra storage.
Enjoy exploring here and online. Please be mindful there are images and information about people who have passed away and some historical wording that is no longer considered acceptable.
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.
Our volunteers have already added more than 2000 items to the online collection, including Arch Rollings photos and the 1996 Sorell Heritage Study.
Visit at Sorell and online
The new History Rooms are on the eastern side of the Sorell Memorial Hall at 47 Cole Street Sorell, with entrances from the courtyard behind the CWA Rooms or inside the main hall to the right.
Volunteers open the new History Rooms on Wednesdays 9am-12pm and Saturdays 12pm-3pm. New members and donations are most welcome.
- 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 large digital display screens, 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. The former History Room, now Archive Room, was originally the ladies cloak room.
Windows and glass doors join the two spaces so that the Memorial Hall becomes a permanent exhibit in itself, while hall-goers and passers-by can look through to glimpses of the collection on the screens and on display.
Much of the online collection is available to the public, plus there’s a more extensive member-only research collection.
Many thanks…
We are proud to share our local story and thankful to everyone who has contributed to the collection.
Special thanks to our committee, members and supporters who advocated for the extension over many years, and to our talented 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.
- Peta and Jo manage the History Rooms, curate the archives and displays and co-ordinate volunteers.
- Colin created the new online collection and digital displays, drawing on extensive experience in computing, mapping, photography and award-winning theatre design.
- Melinda, our publications and online editor, designed the website refresh and manages new content.
- Bronwyn has brought timely insights as an experienced architect to the History Rooms layout and fit out.
Our ongoing 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 hall extension grant funding, to Sorell Councillors, Council staff, the architect, builders and everyone who has contributed along the way.
