Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre facts for kids

The Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre is a cool museum located in Beaconsfield, Tasmania. It was first known as the Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum. This awesome place opened in 1984. It helps everyone learn about the history of mining and life in the area. The museum is managed by the West Tamar Council. It has a huge collection of over 10,000 items!

The Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre building.

A Look Back: The Centre's History

How the Museum Started

In 1972, a group called the West Tamar Historical Committee was formed. They wanted to create a museum. For almost 10 years, they worked hard. They collected old items and raised money.

In 1982, the committee got access to the old Grubb Shaft engine house ruins. This was a perfect spot for their museum! They started turning the ruins into a place where visitors could explore. It would help preserve the rich history of the area.

Opening and Growth

The Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum officially opened its doors in 1984. It was a big step for the community. In 1999, the West Tamar Historical Committee handed over the museum's management. The West Tamar Council took over running the centre.

In 2006, there was a big event at the nearby Beaconsfield Mine. The mine had to close for about a year. After this, the museum received special funding from the Australian government. This money helped the centre grow a lot! They added more space and made the visitor experience even better.

In 2008, the museum changed its name. It went from the Grubb Shaft Gold & Heritage Museum to the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre.

The Centre Today

The Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre is still owned and run by the West Tamar Council. It's a very important place for the local economy. It brings visitors and jobs to the Beaconsfield community.

The centre has more than 10,000 items in its collection. This collection keeps growing! Many items are donated by people from the Tamar Valley area. The staff at the museum work hard to protect these old items. They are always looking for interesting new pieces to add to the collection.