Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts

The National Trust's first museum, the school was founded in the 1870's as a Workingman's Institute. Here, in 1889, Parkes made his famous Federation Speech that was the catalyst for the Federation Movement.

The Building and location reflect the beginning of a community functioning politically and creatively as a whole, which in turn interprets the contributions and projections of the great Sir Henry Parkes.

The collection comprises Parkes' memorabilia including a life size portrait by Julian Ashton, a commemorative wheelbarrow, a walking stick (an extravaganza of scrimshaw, whale ivory and baleen) and his dog Maori's collar. Appropriately, for an institution founded to promote self improvement, the School of Arts also houses the local Shire Library. Open 7 days a week (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day).