CAIRNS MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS AND NEWS
Favourites from If These Walls Could Talk
Celebrate the Museum’s 45th anniversary and add to our collection understanding. Share your insight into some of our favourites from If These Walls Could Talk.
Tune in to a milestone in Cairns Museum history
Tune in and hear Dr Sandi Robb discuss the latest exhibition on ABC Radio.
Pewter Case and Address
One of the most decorative and beautiful items in the Cairns Museum is an impressive, pewter box hammered deftly in the Arts and Crafts style.
If These Walls Could Talk
This year we celebrate 45 years of the Cairns Museum. If these walls could talk, they would have tales to tell about our unique history.
James Cutten’s Diary
As part of Echo of the Past, one of the families in the display are the Cuttens, early European settlers at Clump Point.
Cats and Dogs – All at Sea
Cats and Dogs — All at Sea consists of black and white photographs made by the Sydney photographer Samuel Hood who went on board ships.
Pioneer deaths in Cairns
Dr Sandi Robb from the Cairns Historical Society talks about some of the interesting goings on at the Cairns Pioneer Cemetery with 'Are you dying to know?'.
Echo of the Past
Echo of the Past – Historical photographs from Mission Beach 1890s-1950s. Showing themes of community, sea and land, and the Djiru culture.
Kirrenderri Learning Resources
Learners and educators are invited to engage with the Kirrenderri, Heart of the Channel Country exhibition by utilising our learning resources.
Kirrenderri, Heart of the Channel Country
A visually striking and narrative rich exhibition chronicling extraordinary stories from one of the most remote locations at the very heart of Australia.
Still Life Comes Alive, a Q&A with the Artists
To learn more about our latest exhibition, Still Life Comes Alive, we asked three artists to share the stories and inspiration behind their creations.
Experimenting with Pottery
As part of our latest exhibition Still Life Comes Alive, we had a chat with Lone White about her life-long experimenting with making ceramics.
Outstanding contributions to preserving history recognised in annual awards
Three respected researchers have been recognised by the Society and Museum for bringing the rich and diverse stories of Far North Queensland’s history to light.
A Successful Year for Cairns Historical Society and Museum
Local history is in safe hands as Cairns Historical Society celebrates 65 years and strong visitor numbers at Cairns Museum.
Still Life Comes Alive
Experience Cairns' rich history through contemporary still life art at Cairns Museum's collaborative exhibit with Cairns Art Society.
Cairns Historical Society – 65 Years Strong
Cairns Historical Society celebrate 65 years of serving as a custodian of local history and heritage.
The Orator’s Chair – a chair not to be sat upon!
Explore the rich history of Laurie Bragge's collection through a selection of treasures, such as the Orator’s Stool, obtained from a Iatmul – speaking Tegoi villager in 1972.
50 Treasures Revisited – Curator’s talk
Join Bronwyn McBurnie, Manager JCU Library Special Collections, as she shares insights into a selection of treasures on display.
50 Treasures Revisited
Explore the rich history of James Cook University through a selection of treasures, showcased in a captivating exhibition.
Smell Pods
Experience the smells of Far North Queensland in our exhibition Growing up in the Tropics through manmade and natural smell pods.
George Schipke – Cairns Combined Schools Band from 1942-1945
Read the story of George Schipke growing up in Cairns and his time in the Cairns Combined School Band in the 1940s.
Growing up in the Tropics
Growing up in the tropics is a unique experience. We invite you to reflect on your childhood in this new exhibition.
Beach Couture: A Haute Mess
We don’t know what will remain of us centuries from now but one thing is certain: there will be plastic, lots of plastic. From 18 Nov 2022 to 25 Feb
1 x 4 one object / four stories
Museums use objects to tell stories – but which story and from whose perspective? From 23 July - 12 Nov, 2022
Sihot’e Nioge: When Skirts Become Artworks
Our new exhibition features the diverse and beautiful tapa art of the Omie people, Oro Province, Papua New Guinea. From 21 May - 30 July, 2022
REDISCOVERING BUK TI
This exhibition uncovers the hidden histories of the Chinese community of Ingham, 230 kilometres south of Cairns. Runs 19 Feb - 13 May, 2022
CAIRNS HISTORICAL SOCIETY WANTS SOME STREET WISE HELP
CAIRNS HISTORICAL SOCIETY WANTS SOME STREET WISE HELP SOCIETY NEWS: 26 OCTOBER 2021 Cairns Historical Society is taking to the streets and wants help with biographies of some of the
LOCAL HISTORY LECTURE SERIES
The final set of local history lectures for 2021 will be held on Saturday 16 October at 1.30pm in the Meeting Room at the Cairns Museum
TRIBUTE TO LOCAL ADVENTURER AND VISIONARY OPENS AT CAIRNS MUSEUM
The life and legacy of a Far North adventurer who, with Traditional Owners, fought for the heritage protection of Cape York Rock Art.
NEW ROLE A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR CAIRNS HERITAGE
The Cairns Historical Society and Cairns Museum enters a new era today with the first day on the job of its first Executive Officer.
CAIRNS MUSEUM SHOWCASES SOUVENIRS AS WORKS OF ART
A new exhibition at Cairns Museum celebrates a locally owned Cairns company that took the often dismissed business of ..
YIDINJI CULTURAL KITS DELIVER GROUND-BREAKING LEARNING
Cairns students will have direct access to local Indigenous culture through a ground breaking educational resource
CAIRNS MUSEUM THANKS ITS VOLUNTEER HEART
The Cairns Historical Society and Museum is giving a huge shout out during National Volunteer Week to the incredible volunteers who ..
HOLIDAY FUN WITH DRAGONS AT CAIRNS MUSEUM
Chinese New Year celebrations will continue on at Cairns Museum with the sights and sounds of the annual event as the inspiration for ..
CAIRNS HISTORICAL SOCIETY SEEKS EO FOR NEW ROLE
CAIRNS HISTORICAL SOCIETY SEEKS EO FOR NEW ROLE SOCIETY NEWS: 19 MARCH 2021 Cairns, 19th March, 2021 – The Cairns Historical Society is seeking a forward thinking executive officer to guide the
CHS LECTURES ARE BACK!
Local History Talks return! The Society is happy to announce that our local history talks are returning in 2021.
WELCOME TO THE YEAR OF THE OX
The colour and intrigue of the Chinese lunar New Year celebrations in the Far North goes on show at Cairns Museum this month
FREE SESSIONS OFFER TIPS ON CARING FOR COLLECTIONS IN THE TROPICS
FREE SESSIONS OFFER TIPS ON CARING FOR COLLECTIONS IN THE WET TROPICS SOCIETY NEWS: 1 FEBRUARY 2021 Caring for family heirlooms and collections at home is easy with a little
LIONS AND DRAGONS: THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CHINESE NEW YEAR
This exhibition provides insight into Chinese and Chinese Australian culture in Cairns through the
CAIRNS MUSEUM PROGRAM PACKED FULL OF JANUARY FUN FOR EVERYONE
Cairns Museum’s inspiring Kids’ Audio Tour of guided and self-guided activities through the collection is a highlight of an exciting line-up of interests and activities for museum visitors of all
KIDS AUDIO TRAIL
The Cairns Museum, with children’s theatre specialists Box Jelly Theatre and CQU School of Education & the Arts, have teamed up to create a playful and engaging Kid’s Explorer Trail
COLLECTIONS EXPLORER SERIES: JANUARY 2021
COLLECTIONS EXPLORER SERIES: JANUARY 2021 MUSEUM EVENTS: 23 DECEMBER 2020 January is our month for exploring collections and collectors. To complement the Museum’s focus on local collectors and their
LOCAL COLLECTORS – THEO TREMBLAY’S SHAVEROLOGY
Theo Tremblay has a vast collection of shavers, acquired over more than 20 years of casual collecting.
LOCAL COLLECTORS – TEDDY POWELL’S MINIATURE STEAM ENGINES
Teddy Powell comes from a line of tinkerers. His father could turn his hand to fixing or remodelling anything...
TINKERERS, SHAVERS, MORSE CODE AND CHRISTMAS PUD ON THE BILL AT CAIRNS MUSEUM
Cairns Museum is gearing up for a fun festive season with a packed summer school holiday program.
FUN, FOOD AND FAMILY AT THE TABLE AT INTERACTIVE TROPICAL CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION
’At Our Table: Christmas in the Tropics’ is the fascinating interactive exhibition which opens at Cairns Museum on December 5 and runs until January 2.
‘SAFE IN THE WATER’ – CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF SURF LIFE SAVING NORTH QUEENSLAND
The purpose of Surf Life Saving is to keep us all safe in the water, regardless of our abilities or the local conditions.
DISCOVER THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE CANE TOAD INVASION AT CAIRNS MUSEUM
Hindsight condemns the release of the invasive cane toad into Far North Queensland sugar cane paddocks back in the 1930s.
CAPTURING COVID IN CAIRNS
How will future generations know what the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis meant for Cairns?
LEARN HOW TO SPOT A TREASURE WITH ANTIQUE BOTTLE COLLECTOR
The first 10 to book a ticket are invited to bring along a bottle for appraisal and guide to its possible value, and to learn about what to look for
BRAD BROWN’S BOTTLE SHOWCASE
BRAD BROWN’S BOTTLE SHOWCASE MUSEUM EVENTS: 9 MARCH 2020 Come and explore the world of heritage bottles with collector Brad Brown. Never turn a blind eye on a coloured
CAIRNS MUSEUM PARTNERS WITH CAIRNS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The brainchild of New York-trained teacher and local mother Sari Lorner, STEAM with a Theme is a program devised in collaboration with Cairns Museum to provide an interactive, museum-based, teacher-led
GROWING UP CHINESE IN CAIRNS – AN EXHIBITION OF TWO WORLDS
An exhibition at Cairns Museum shows how this formidable generation of local Chinese-Australians steered between their two worlds, sometimes with difficulty but ultimately with great aplomb and incredible success.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AT CAIRNS MUSEUM
An exhibition at Cairns Museum shows how this formidable generation of local Chinese-Australians steered between their two worlds, sometimes with difficulty but ultimately with great aplomb and incredible success.
JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS
JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS MUSEUM EVENTS: 25 NOVEMBER 2019 JOIN US! Come and celebrate the 2019 festive season with the Cairns Historical Society and Cairns Museum. Members, Friends and
HISTORICAL SOCIETY ENDS YEAR ON HIGH NOTE AT AGM
HISTORICAL SOCIETY ENDS YEAR ON HIGH NOTE AT AGM SOCIETY NEWS: 12 NOVEMBER 2019 Cairns Historical Society has wrapped up another successful year with continued visitor growth at Cairns Museum,
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE COMING AT CAIRNS MUSEUM
Cairns Museum has a jam-packed school holiday program with everything from code breaking to retro baking to miniature room making.
A SMALL WORLD
VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT INFORMATION DAY MUSEUM EVENTS: 8 JANUARY 2020 It’s a small world that will be on display at Cairns Museum from now until January 2020. Eleven tiny but perfectly
MINIATURE MASTERPIECES AT THE MUSEUM
There is something “especially” small about Cairns Museum’s latest temporary exhibit that will open this Saturday, September 7.
JOIN IN THE FUN AT CAIRNS MUSEUM ON OPEN DAY
Cairns Museum is throwing open its doors and letting kids in for free with every adult ticket on Saturday, August 24.
CELEBRATING SENIORS WEEK
CELEBRATING SENIORS WEEK MUSEUM EVENTS: 14 AUGUST 2019 Citizens 55 plus will receive the red-carpet treatment at Cairns Museum during Seniors Week. Seniors Week from August 17 to 24 has
CAIRNS MUSEUM OPEN DAY
CAIRNS MUSEUM OPEN DAY MUSEUM EVENTS: 14 AUGUST 2019 Come and join Cairns Museum for a day of fun, on Saturday August 24. A special program of events and activities
STAR TREATMENT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
There is something “especially” small about Cairns Museum’s latest temporary exhibit that will open this Saturday, September 7.
RUGBY LEAGUE SCORES
The Far North's passion for Rugby League Cairns Museum has opened its latest exhibition, showcasing the diverse and rich history of rugby league in Far North Queensland.
PLAYED WITH PASSION
PLAYED WITH PASSION MUSEUM EVENTS: 6 JUNE 2019 MUSEUM SET TO SCORE WITH RUGBY LEAGUE EXHIBITION Cairns Museum will showcase the diverse and rich history of rugby league in Far
HERITAGE WEEK COACH TOUR 19TH MAY
HERITAGE WEEK COACH TOUR 19TH MAY SOCIETY NEWS: 28 MARCH 2019 COACH TOUR OF DOUGLAS SHIRE HERITAGE It’s on again! Join the Cairns Historical Society and the FNQ Branch
DRESSED TO IMPRESS WORKSHOP | STORING YOUR WEDDING DRESS
DRESSED TO IMPRESS WORKSHOP | STORING YOUR WEDDING DRESS SOCIETY NEWS: 20 MARCH 2019 It was the most important item at your wedding – apart from your partner of course
FABULOUS FAR NORTH FASHION ON SHOW AT CAIRNS MUSEUM
Museums in the Cairns region have come together to showcase some fabulous frocks and textile treasures in a new exhibition Dressed to Impress.
CHINATOWN HERITAGE TOUR
CHINATOWN HERITAGE TOUR MUSEUM EVENTS: 5 FEBRUARY 2019 EXPLORE CHINATOWN WITH US! SOLD OUT! Come and discover the people, places and stories of Cairns Chinatown. Join the Cairns Museum and the Cairns
HERITAGE WALK CELEBRATES CHINESE HISTORY
The Far North's passion for Rugby League Cairns Museum has opened its latest exhibition, showcasing the diverse and rich history of rugby league in Far North Queensland.
DISCOVER CAIRNS CITY’S WILD AND ROMANTIC PAST ON NEW WALKING TOUR
DISCOVER CAIRNS CITY’S WILD AND ROMANTIC PAST ON NEW WALKING TOUR SOCIETY NEWS: 7 DECEMBER 2018 A new Cairns Walking Tour steps out tomorrow and back into the past, tracing
YARRABAH SCHOOL TEAMS WITH CAIRNS MUSEUM IN SHOWCASE FIRST
YARRABAH SCHOOL TEAMS WITH CAIRNS MUSEUM IN SHOWCASE FIRST MUSEUM EVENTS: 6 DECEMBER 2018 A special collaboration between Cairns Museum and Yarrabah State School will offer visitors to the CBD
WELCOME TANYA SNELLING
WELCOME TANYA SNELLING SOCIETY NEWS: 27 NOVEMBER 2018 WE’RE GETTING STRATEGIC! The Cairns Historical Society is excited to welcome aboard Tanya Snelling and Strategic PR as our Marketing and
NORTHERN ANZACS
NORTHERN ANZACS SOCIETY NEWS: 7 JUNE 2018 A NEW HISTORY: NORTHERN ANZACS The Cairns Historical Society is thrilled to announce the publication of a brand new book, Northern Anzacs: how the
DR DAWN MAY
DR DAWN MAY SOCIETY NEWS: 24 MAY 2018 DR DAWN MAY – FNQ VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR The Cairns Historical Society is celebrating Dr Dawn May – Far North Queensland’s
FANCY A BARRIER REEF CRUISE FOR $5?
FANCY A BARRIER REEF CRUISE FOR $5? SOCIETY NEWS: 24 MARCH 2018 BUY A TICKET IN OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY RAFFLE! SORRY OUR RAFFLE IS NOW CLOSED – THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PURCHASED
CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR
CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR SOCIETY NEWS: 8 FEBRUARY 2018 Offering Bowls. Lit Sung Goong Collection. Courtesy CADCAI CAIRNS CHINESE HERITAGE UNVEILED The Cairns Museum will showcase rare and precious objects
BEST IN QUEENSLAND
BEST IN QUEENSLAND SOCIETY NEWS: 7 NOVEMBER 2017 2017 GAMAA Awards Ceremony. L-R Museum Manager Suzanne Gibson, Curator and Queensland Museum MDO Dr Joanna Wills, CHS and Museum Historian Dr
MUSEUM GREEN LIGHT!
MUSEUM GREEN LIGHT! SOCIETY NEWS: 3 NOVEMBER 2016 Museum Manager Suzanne Gibson, CHS President Clive Skarott, Hutchinson Builder Team Leader Paul De Jong and Cairns Mayor Bob Manning COUNTDOWN TO
2016 S.E. STEPHENS AWARD WINNER IS PAULINE O’KEEFFE
SE STEPHENS 2016 AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCED SOCIETY NEWS: 23 SEPTEMBER 2016 PAULINE AND CLIVE 2016 S.E. STEPHENS AWARD WINNER IS PAULINE O’KEEFFE The Cairns Historical Society is delighted to
WW1 LOCAL NURSE
WW1 LOCAL NURSE SOCIETY NEWS: 17 AUGUST 2016 NURSE MONICA O’CALLAGHAN Pauline, manager of CHS imaging department has a particular interest in Far North Queensland during World War One. She
SPIRIT OF ANZAC
SPIRIT OF ANZAC SOCIETY NEWS: 1 JULY 2016 1961 ANZAC PARADE DOWN GRAFTON STREET CHS AND THE SPIRIT OF ANZAC Cairns Historical Society is proud to be associated with Spirit
STATE AWARD FOR CHS & CAIRNS MUSEUM
STATE AWARD FOR CHS & CAIRNS MUSEUM SOCIETY NEWS: 15 JUNE 2016 2016 JOHN OXLEY LIBRARY COMMUNITY HERITAGE AWARD The Cairns Historical Society has won the prestigious John Oxley
LOCAL HISTORY TALKS IN APRIL
LOCAL HISTORY TALKS IN APRIL SOCIETY NEWS: 23 MARCH 2016 YOU’RE INVITED TO THE SOCIETY’S APRIL LECTURE SERIES. The Cairns Historical Society will be hosting it’s quarterly lecture series
WOOPS – NO TROUSERS!
WOOPS – NO TROUSERS! SOCIETY NEWS: 12 FEBRUARY 2016 Posted by: Museum Manager Suzanne Gibson It is a great job being a museum curator, especially in a small museum like
SMALL OBJECT. BIG STORY.
SMALL OBJECT. BIG STORY. SOCIETY NEWS: 3 JANUARY 2016 Posted by: Museum Manager, Suzanne Gibson There are plenty of challenges in developing new exhibitions for the Cairns Museum. It’s
SEEING THE COLLECTION
SEEING THE COLLECTION SOCIETY NEWS: 1 DECEMBER 2015 Posted by: Museum Manager, Suzanne Gibson In 2013 our incredible collections team packed up the entire Cairns Museum. Every object on
