Maritime Museum of Tasmania facts for kids
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| Established | 1974 (current building 2000) |
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| Location | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
The Maritime Museum of Tasmania is a special place in Hobart, Tasmania. It's a museum all about the sea, ships, and how people in Tasmania have used and built boats for a very long time. You can find it at Carnegie House in Sullivans Cove, right by the water.
Contents
History of the Museum
Tasmania's Deep Connection to the Sea
The island of Tasmania has always been closely linked to the sea. This connection goes back thousands of years. The first people of Tasmania had strong ties to the ocean and nearby islands. They used the sea for travel and food.
When the British arrived in 1803, they also came by sea. Since then, Tasmania has continued its history of sailing, trading by ship, and fishing. The museum helps us learn about this long and exciting history. It collects and shows items related to these activities.
How the Museum Started
People who loved the sea first thought about a maritime museum in the 1930s. They wanted the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery to have a special room for sea history. But it took many years for this idea to become real.
In 1972, six volunteers decided to create a dedicated museum. This is how the Maritime Museum of Tasmania began. It first opened its doors in 1973. The official opening happened in 1974. Its first home was in St. George's Church in Battery Point.
Growing and Moving Forward
New Homes for the Museum
In 1983, the museum moved to Secheron House. This building was much bigger and better suited for a museum. It was built in 1831, so it had its own history. This move allowed the museum to grow and show more exhibits.
Later, in 1999, the Tasmanian Government decided to sell Secheron House. The museum saw this as a chance to move again. They wanted to become an even bigger and more important place.
A Modern Home by the Docks
The museum moved to its current home, the Carnegie Building. This new spot is perfect because it's right next to the docks of Sullivans Cove. It's also close to the city center and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
The Carnegie Building was made new and modern for the museum. Queen Elizabeth II herself opened the renovated building. This special event happened on March 28, 2000.
What You Can See
Unique Exhibits and Artifacts
The museum has many interesting things to see. One special item is a large sandstone statue. It is about 1.3 meters tall. This statue was made around 1836. It makes fun of Van Diemen's Land governor George Arthur.
Many people believe a convict named Daniel Herbert carved it. The style matches his famous carvings on the Ross Bridge. This unique statue was given to the museum in 2023. It helps tell the story of Tasmania's past.
See also
