Pioneer Settlement facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pioneer Settlement |
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The Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill, Victoria, is a special outdoor museum. It was Australia's first museum of its kind. It shows what life was like along the Murray River between 1830 and 1930.
The museum first opened in 1966. It was called the Swan Hill Folk Museum back then. After a visit from the Queen in 1970, its name was changed to Pioneer Settlement.
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Exploring the Pioneer Settlement
The Pioneer Settlement has about 50 buildings that look just like old ones. These include a Masonic hall, a coach-house, and a post office. You can also see a photographic studio and an old newspaper office. One unique item is an original 1895 kaiserpanorama. This was a device for viewing stereoscopic photos.
Historic Vehicles and Riverboats
The museum has many old tractors. One of them was the very first tractor ever brought to Australia! There are also other historic vehicles.
Two old riverboats from the 1800s are part of the collection. One is the 1876 paddlesteamer PS Gem. This large boat was moved to the site in 1963. Today, it serves as the main entrance to the settlement. It even has a restaurant inside!
The PS Gem and PV Pyap
The PS Gem was brought to the Pioneer Settlement in 1962. Another paddlesteamer, the PS Oscar W, helped tow it. The Gem was sold for £4000 to the Swan Hill Folk Museum. Now, it is a permanent display at the museum.
The PV Pyap is another interesting boat. It offers daily cruises from the Horseshoe Bend Wharf. The Pyap was first built in Mannum in 1896 as a barge. By October 1897, it was changed into a paddle steamer. In 1970, before it moved to the Pioneer Settlement, the Pyap got a new engine. It was a 225 horsepower GM671 Gray Marine diesel engine.
How the Settlement is Managed
In 1994, a special law was passed by the government. This law put the Pioneer Settlement under the control of the Swan Hill City Council. This means the local council helps manage and look after the museum.
