1. Home

Virtual tour now available for Hillgrove Museum

Discovering the intriguing history of Hillgrove has just been made easier with the launch of a new virtual tour of Hillgrove Museum.

Established in the 1896 Hillgrove School building, the Hillgrove Rural Life and Industry Museum is managed by the Armidale Regional Council (ARC) and is an annexe to the Armidale Folk Museum.

In 1895 Hillgrove was a vibrant gold mining town with six pubs, four churches and a population of over 3000. Hillgrove began to decline after 1900 as the mines ceased to be profitable.

The Hillgrove Museum tells the story of the rise and fall of this once busy town. Visitors can discover the lives of the families who called Hillgrove home and how the miners won wealth from the unforgiving earth deep underground.

The museum contains a fascinating collection that provides the visitor a unique insight into everyday life in old Hillgrove. Displays include history of the Hillgrove School, domestic life, and the local agricultural and mining industries.

“With the introduction of the virtual tour at Hillgrove Museum people can explore the collection from the comfort of home,” said Sarah Reddington – ARC’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Officer. It will also allow people to have access to view the displays at the museum outside of opening hours.

“Hillgrove Museum is the final Council-run museum to have a virtual tour available online. All Council run museums including the Folk Museum and the Bicentennial Railway Museum can now be viewed and enjoyed any time of day and from the comfort of your own home.”

The camera used to create the museum virtual tours was kindly loaned to ARC by the New England Regional Art Museum.

The Hillgrove Museum virtual tour can be found HERE

More about Council's Museums HERE 

Latest stories

News

Thank you to everyone who reviewed the Community Plan
Community members took the chance to revisit their plan - including via 'pop-up stall' consultation opportunities during October in locations across our region.
Armidale powers up with new EV chargers
Four new electric vehicle fast charging stations will be built in Jessie Street, Armidale in the hope of fulfilling the increased demand from electric and hybrid vehicles.
Calling out for Autumn Festival float applications
Armidale Regional Council is putting the callout for residents, schools, community groups and businesses who would like to join the fun and frivolity and register a float for the 2025 Autumn Festival Parade.
Works on Catholic Cathedral to wind up soon
The scaffolding has come down around Armidale’s iconic Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral after significant upgrades have been undertaken to the roof and other areas.
Community guides Curtis Park Playground expansion
The proposed Curtis Park Playground Expansion will be adapted and constructed based on feedback and suggestions from the community – in particular the children and families who will benefit the most.
ARC Community Grants now open
Applications for two Community Grants from the Armidale Regional Council open on November 1.
Get tree-mendously excited for Christmas in the Mall
The Armidale Mall is set to sparkle with fabulous festive activities for the 2024 Christmas in the Mall celebrations.
New parking app launched at Armidale Airport
A new environmentally friendly car parking app - that replaces older ticketed machines - has been introduced at Armidale Regional Airport and will be trialled for 12 months.
Grant writing workshop connects people with strategies, resources and connections
Community groups, clubs, and organisations from across the region benefitted from a grant writing workshop hosted by Council recently.
Armidale chiselling out a place as top tourism hotspot
The Armidale region was the place to be on the October long weekend as the city and surrounds buzzed with energy, attracting thousands of visitors for a lineup of sensational events.