Stories From The Studio: This week STA met up with Stephen who gave us a fantastic tour of the Boorowa and District Historical Society Inc. and Museum. Established in 1974, the Society was founded with a passion for preserving and sharing the stories of Boorowa and its people, and today operates one of the most unique regional museums in New South Wales.

The museum itself is a treasure, housed in a rare Pisé (mud, straw, and fire ash) heritage building right on the main street of Boorowa. Built around 1860 by undertaker George Patterson, this remarkable structure is believed to be the last commercial Pisé building still in use in Australia. Restored in 1999/2000 with the support of the Commonwealth Federation Fund and Boorowa Council, the building is as much a piece of history as the artefacts it holds.

One of the true highlights of the museum is the Print Room, home to the original working printing press from the Boorowa News newspaper. Visitors can watch printing demonstrations and experience first-hand how the news was produced in earlier times, a favourite for families and history buffs alike.

But the museum is much more than just exhibits, it’s about people, stories, and connection. The friendly volunteers are always on hand to answer questions, share anecdotes, and help visitors dive deeper into Boorowa’s past. For those interested in genealogy, our dedicated Research Officer can assist with family history inquiries, making the museum an invaluable resource for locals and visitors tracing their roots.

By visiting the Boorowa Museum, you’re not just exploring history, you’re helping preserve it. As a volunteer-run, community-driven museum, every visitor, donation, and word of support plays a vital role in ensuring that the stories of Boorowa and its people are kept alive for generations to come.

Whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveller, or simply looking for a meaningful and memorable experience, we invite you to step inside and discover the heart and heritage of Boorowa, come, explore, and be part of the story.