Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum Tatura, VIC
Tatura Museum houses a unique collection based on 3 main themes which are: the History of Irrigation in Victoria's Goulburn Valley, the Local and Family History of Tatura and District since white settlement and the history of the seven World War 2 Prisoner of War and Internment Camps and the Garrison and Hospital which were established in this area.
Tatura Museum is not the average small town museum. Our collection includes ONLY items which have a connection to Tatura.
Whether it is Local, Family, Irrigation or War Time Camps history every article on display has a direct connection with Tatura and is not just part of a general historical display.
The collection and our reference library are a valuable source of research material for academics, school children, relatives and former residents.
Contact Information
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday 1.00pm - 3.00pm Saturday / Sunday / Public Holidays 2.00pm - 4.00pm Bus trips and groups by arrangement
Entry Fee
$5 Adults $ 4 concession $ 2 children under 12
Location
49 Hogan S Tatura VIC
View on Google Maps
Photographs, art and craft work, records, recollections and other archival material recovered from the former Prisoners of War and Internees in the Tatura Area during WW2, many of whom remained in Australia after their release.
These include the collection of 54 works of Leonhard Adam completed over a 50 year period and donated by his daughter Mary-Clare Murvitz of Israel and a collection of war time sketches by Georg Rosenkranz.
We have many artefacts and documents relating to the HSK Kormoran and HMAS Sydney as the Kormoran survivors were prisoners of war in Tatura.
Books, records, maps, photographs and information on the history of Irrigation in Victoria's Goulburn Valley.
Books, photographs, memorabilia, maps and recollections regarding the Local History of Tatura and District including major industries and local families.
Significance
Much of the collection has originated from activities of prisoners from within the camps, and so it is unique and irreplaceable. Many of the internees brought to these camps from overseas countries were intellectuals, academically well qualified in their professions and some were gifted sports persons or in their trade. Many of these people chose to remain in Australia and have added immensely to the education and culture of this country. Their stories, most involving escape from Nazism, are inspirational.
The story of the development of Irrigation in the Western Goulburn Valley is the story of the first irrigation scheme in Victoria, and lead to the creation of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, and its involvement in Irrigation.
5255 items
5255 items
Abacus
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Wood & metal abacus with wooden base, sides & beads (100), & metal rails. Wood painted red & black.
Historical information
Camp 3 was one of the Tatura Group of civilian & prisoner of war internment camps during World War 2. Camp 3 was a civilian 'family' camp. The abacus was made by a German internee, for his son in the camp. It was made from scrap materials found in and around the camp & the beads & other wooden parts of the abacus were turned on a lathe also constructed by the internees.
A4 Display Book - William Skinner
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Blue A4 display book, containing 22 plastic sleeves containing information of W Skinner murder 1905.
Historical information
Copies of Coroners' inquest, trial and other newspaper cuttings of James Edwards accused of W Skinner's murder. Sentenced to 12 years for manslaughter
A4 Display Book - Reginald Leslie EICKE
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Blue A4 display book containing 6 plastic sleeves with enlistment information on Reginald Leslie Eicke.
Historical information
Contents include Enlistment papers, service and casualty form, attestation papers, war gratuity schedule papers, casualty form active service, statement of service and photograph of Reginald in uniform. Reginald was an internment camp guard.
A4 Display Book - Centenary of Federation Exhibition
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Collection of photographs and informative newspaper cuttings, relating to exhibition held on the celebration of Federation. Contained in purple A4 display book. 16 plastic sleeves.
Historical information
Assembled to record exhibition. Presented by Historical Society with special viewing by student of the district
A4 Display Book - Army Memorabillia
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Maroon coloured A4 display book, containing 14 plastic sleeves - contains stories of local Servicemen and other items (Certa Cito magazine, article on Lt Col Rod Wells, fall of Singapore, 39th Battalion)
Historical information
WW2 memorabilia from newspapers, newsletters etc.
A4 Display Book - Autobiography - Reg Mould of Shepparton
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Collection of memories of Reg Mould. Childhood in Shepparton,. Tally Ho Boys Home, working in railways, war service. In green A4 display book with 12 plastic sleeves.
Historical information
Life history of Reg Mould and his family from 1925 - 1995, including descriptions of travel in Australia.
A4 Display Book - family history - Pretty and Anderson Families
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Green A4 display book with 17 plastic sleeves containing photos and newspaper clippings of Pretty and Anderson families.
Historical information
Early photographs of Tatura, Butcher's shop, houses in Hogan, Casey, Kerford Streets. Copies of weddings and obituaries
A4 Display Book - Family History - Smith & Hurren Family Reunion
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Red A4 display book containing 2 copies of The Smith & Hurren Family Reunion.
Historical information
Contains genealogical information on Smith and Hurren families, former Tatura residents, for family reunion 6-7 May 2000, Tatura. Includes timeline 1836-1954. 2 copies.
Aerial Photograph
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Enlarged aerial photo of Tatura township taken by J. Underwood (Kyabram) in January 1959. Photo framed with glass front.
Inscriptions & Markings
Tatura Jan 1959. Arthur J. Underwood Photographer Tel. Kyabram 629
AFL Record - Olympic Torch Relay
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
AFL Record featuring Barassi. 5 of 6 items relating to 2000 Olympic torn relay especially through Tatura.
Historical information
These objects were distributed to runners in the torch relay for the 2000 Olympic games in Australia. Tony Ford in this case. Newspaper reports have been collected following the event. The relay passed through Tatura on the 27 July 2000.
A folder - Memorial to HMAS Sydney Geraldton Western Australia,
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
A folder containing descriptions and history of the memorial at Geraldton W.A. Also A4 sized photos of various aspects of the memorial.
Significance
history of the memorial dedicated to HMAS Sydney. at Geraldton WA
Air Horns
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Two air horns staged on a metal frame with tubes attached for fitting to air compressor.
Historical information
This was used as a siren in Tatura during WW2 to alert locals to the escape of POW's or for any other war time emergency. It was attached to the front of Groom & Beckwith's garage in Hogan Street.
Album
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Hard cover, beige with navy blue cloth trim and spine. Leaves held together with white cord threaded through 3 holes.
Historical information
Acquied from German Red Cross, Christmas 1942
Album - Photos My Boy
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Brown cardboard striped light and dark cord threaded through 2 holes at end
Historical information
Nothing known but would have been used for photographs of Servicmen in WW2 by their families. Never been used
Album - British Boys at Presbyterian RTF
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Photographalbum showing life at Dhurringile Mansion, when used as Rural Training Farm
Historical information
Photos of Dhuyrringile boys, belonging to "Sandy" Graham (Now Dec) presented by his Daughter Isa Hicks
Inscriptions & Markings
British boys at Presbyterian Rurla Training fram, Dhurringile Manson. Photos from "Sandy" Graham's Album
Album - Tatura Museum
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Plasticised cover, white with red, green, blue, yellow bands 3 cm diagionally front and back
Historical information
Photos of Tatura Historical Society trips to Hay and Cowra
Album - Photo - Die Nibelungen-Besprechung
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Album containing coloured photographs placed in pockets or sleeves. Outer cover: White,pink & grey stripes-Roman numerals signify page numbering in original document
Historical information
Individual photographs of a handmade illestrated booklet by Adolf Wilke. Text illustrations done by Hans Wolter Von Gruenewaldt at Camp 13 Murchison
Album - Photo
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Photograph album containing photos of murals painted by POW Hans Von Gruengoldt
Historical information
Original murals were painted onto the walls of Camp13 Garrison recreation hall during WW2. When war ended the hut was sold to Murchison RSL and moved into the town.
Album - Photo - Camp 3
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Beige coloured photograph album with orangy/red cover with cord of same colour. Contains black pages for mounting photographs
Historical information
Made by internee at Camp 3
Album - Photo
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Silver and black photo album, flower logo.
Historical information
Very early photographs of construction of Goulburn Weir, Waranga Basin and channels. Post card of Waranga Basin Quarry
Album - Photograph - Tatura Museum
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
light brown, 2 rectangular gold stripes on front cover. 1st photograph (colour) of Museum
Inscriptions & Markings
VAGUE
Album - Photograph - P. Hampton
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
plastic photograph album coloured waterway scene, barges, houses on bank.
Historical information
Given to M. Normington by A. Hampton (brother of P. Hampton) for Tatura Museum. Includes post cards sent from France to his family. Photograph of his grave in France.
Album - Photographs
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Photograph album of copy of collegium taturense booklet No.7. Black & white illustrations and type anniversay & history of school at the camps
Historical information
Complied in Camp 4 by Dunera Faculty members to substantiate the academic standard of their school. 20 copies were made.
Album - Photographs - Tatura Museum
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Plastic covered album. Front and back cover of rural scene. Blue sky clouds, green pastures, yellow crop. Index inside front cover.
Historical information
Album of photos of Tatura Historical Society and Museum, dismantling exterior buildings, first meeting, museum opening 1988, trip to Dhurringile Mansion and stables complex, street stall, working bees and dismantling old railway station
Appreciation Plaque
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Brass plaque on a wooden backing.
Historical information
Presented to Dr Hodson. Appreciation of Dr David Hodson, Tatura.
Inscriptions & Markings
To Dr David Hodson - In appreciation of his many years of service to the Tatura and District community. 1994
Apron
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Apron, beige cotton floral bodice, pockets, edging and ties (two beige, two floral ties).
Historical information
Made by internee in Camp 3. Using floral material from an old dress.
Architect plans - Tatura Methodist Church
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
1 of 2 copies (L3264) of complete architects plans and specifications for extensions to Tatura Methodist Church building, 1964.
Historical information
Methodist Church was built and opened on present site (Uniting) in 1959. These extensions completed the building as it now stands.
Architect plans - Tatura Methodist Church
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
1 of 2 copies (L3263) of complete architects plans and specifications for extensions to Tatura Methodist Church building, 1964.
Historical information
Methodist Church was built and opened on present site (Uniting) in 1959. These extensions completed the building as it now stands.
Archival Box - Scouts & Guides
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey and black archival box
Historical information
Scout and Guide memorabilia .Scouting - Shepparton 1922-1982 - 2 copies -Including Index for family historians prepared 1993|The Boy Scout and His Law - Albert Hampton|Roving to Success - Albert Hampton|Scouting for Boys - Albert Hampton|Spare Time at Activities - Albert Hampton|Boy Scout Tests and How to Pass Them - Albert Hampton|The Bush Boys' Book -Albert Hampton|The Boy Scout Knot Book - Albert Hampton|First Aid in Colours|Hiking Jamboree - 1935 signed by Baden Powell|The Bushman's Companion - Albert Hampton|Brownie Badges - No.5|The Hackney Scout Song Book - Albert Hampton|Tatura Scouts and Guides 1961|Folder Maver Family Scout and Guide Memorabillia|Official Programe HF Fleming Tatura Scout Complex 1983|Invitation to Opening of Tatura Scout Complex 1983| Offical Programe Scout Rally - Stanhope 1935|Offical Programe Scout Rally - Kyabram 1933|Booklet - Australian Corroboree Menus - 1936|Souvenir Issue - Victorian Scout - 1931|Folder - 1st Tatura Venturer 1977 by Tania Pike|Pocket - Recollection of Tatura Scouts in the 1930's written by James Crawford in 1997|Photos and Newspapers cuttings from 1931 onwards|Jamboree Daily - Frankston Dec. 28th 1934 - Jan 5th 1935|The Corroboree Advertising - Belair South Australia Dec 28th 1935 - Jan 2nd 1937. Editions 1,2,3,4,5,6.|Red and White Van - 1st Tatura Venturers|Photo 27/11/1987 from Taura Bulletin of 4 cubs invested into scouts. Rhyss Popple, Andrew Hepworth, Nathan Fennell & Chò Whyte|Tatura
Archival Box - Tatura Milk
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Blue archival box
Historical information
Collection of material relating to Tatura Milk Industries and Sno Brand
Archival File - Rodney Shire Townships c 1886
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archival file containing plastic sleeves with photos of Tatura in the early days.
Archival folder - black - Churches Anglican and Uniting
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Black folder with cover containing plastic sheets, containing information and newspaper clippings of the two churches. Scanned.
Archive Box - Camp 4
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archive box containing photographs of Camp 4
Archive Box - Tatura Safety House
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Cardboard Archive Box containing Tatura Safety House Committee Minute Books, Information Kit.
Inscriptions & Markings
Labelled "Tatura Safety House" box no 4360
Archive Box - Camp 3 to Present Day
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Camp 3 to present day. Photos - being scanned. Grey archive box.
Archive Box - Baldwin Family
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Photos and documents re Baldwin Family
Historical information
Photos and Documents re Baldwin Family 1901 -1929
Archive Box - Shire of Rodney
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey Archive Box contains Shire of Rodney records
Inscriptions & Markings
Labelled "Shire of Rodney" and numbered "4359"
Archive Box - grey - Camp 2
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
grey archive folder containing photos of camp 3
Archive Box (reports) - Inquiry into the circumstances of the sinking of the HMAS Sydney
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
26 stapled booklets of paper with yellow card covers and 2 bound books of completed report with white cardboard cover with photo of HMAS Sydney. Government report into the sinking of the HMAS Sydney|28 volumes consisting of:|Joint Standing Committee Transcript of 27th March 1998|Joint Standing Committee Transcript of 16th April 1998|Joint Standing Committee Transcript of 17th April 1998|Joint Standing Committee Transcript of 1st May 1998|Joint Standing Committee Transcript of 22nd May 1998|Joint Standing Committee Transcript of 29th May 1998|Index to Submissions and Transcripts of Evidence|Submissions volumes 1 - 19.|2 copies of completed report on the Loss of the HMAS Sydney dated March 1999.
Historical information
Government report into the sinking of the HMAS Sydney compiled by Government Joint Standing Committee in 1998/99
Archive Folder (grey) - Camp 3 Italians
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archive folder containing plastic sheets holding photos of Italian POW's
Historical information
Photos of camp 3 life for the Italian POW's
Inscriptions & Markings
Camp 3 Italians
Archive Folder (grey) - Camp 3
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
A grey archival folder containing a collection of photographs in relation to Camp 3 including a sketch of Vollmer.
Historical information
Photographs/sketches of life in Camp 3.
Inscriptions & Markings
Camp 3
Archive Folder (grey) - Camp 1
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archive folder containing photos, etc of Officers mess in Camp 1.
Inscriptions & Markings
Camp 1
Archive Folder (grey) - Dhurringile POW Camp
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archival folder containing photographs of Dhurringile POW camp.
Archive Folder (grey) - Museum events and visitors
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archival folder containing scanned photograph - to be indexed
Archive Folder (grey) - Garrison
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archival folder containing scanned photograph - to be indexed
Archive Folder (grey) - Camp 13
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archive folder containing photos of camp 13 compound.
Archive Folder (grey) - Camp 3 Compound
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archive folder containing photos of camp 3 compound.
Archive Folder (grey) - Camp 13
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
archive folder with photos - being scanned
Archive Folder (grey) - German Raider HSK Kormoran
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
Grey archival folder containing photographs and documents in regard to HSK Kormoran and crew. (scanned)
Historical information
Information on HSK Kormoran and crew
Archive Folder (grey) - James Brady Family
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum, Tatura
grey archival folder containing family photographs and letters, including wedding photograph of Annie and James Brady and letter written by James Brady to family 2 May 1930.
Historical information
Assorted photographs and letters. Annie Hogan, daughter of Thomas and Annie Hogan married James Brady. Lived at 43 Ross Street, Tatura.