TO celebrate International Museum Day, the Port Macquarie Historical Museum will host a free community day on Sunday 18 May, from 9.30am to 4pm, at the museum at 22 Clarence Street.
Clarence Street Connections is a free community event for people who live, work, learn or play in Clarence Street.
“The aim of the day is to bring the museum’s many neighbours together, to build connections, foster future co-operations, establish friendships and to create a sense of community across Clarence Street residents, both past and present, community groups and businesses,” Port Macquarie Historical Society president Debbie Sommers.
“We know many of our neighbours walk past the museum every day to go to work, school, shop, etc. and we also know many of them have never set foot in the museum.
“We are hoping to change that with Clarence Street Connections. The day is about creating an opportunity for our neighbours in the wider sense to connect with us and each other.”
The day will include free food and entertainment with the Jugged Hare Bush Band playing in the museum garden from 11am. The Party Professionals will be providing kids entertainment, morning and afternoon teas are on offer throughout the day and a sausage sizzle around lunchtime.
People are welcome to wander in and out at their leisure and are more than welcome to stay the whole day if they wish. There will be a special exhibition of Clarence Street photos for viewing throughout the day in addition to the museum’s usual exhibits.
Clarence Street Connections will also celebrate International Museum Day. This year’s theme is Museum Collections Make Connections. Museums are the custodians of community stories and use their collections to tell those stories. Museum collections and stories link or connect people with the past in all its forms and by doing so help guide our future.
International Museum Day aims to increase public awareness about the role of museums in the development of society and the importance of our natural and cultural heritage. Clarence Street Connections is about achieving this in a fun and family friendly way.
“Clarence Street Connections has been made possible with the assistance of a Port Macquarie Hastings Council Community Grant. Port Hire is helping out with a marquee and outdoor furniture and the Tacking Point Lions Club are kindly loaning us their stage,” Ms Sommers said.
“Our members and volunteers are also giving generously of their time to make the day an enjoyable and memorable one.“
