PORT Macquarie’s Historical Society has been named the inaugural recipient of the History Council of NSW History Week Award.
The new award highlights the important work of grassroots organisations, often with limited resources, in delivering engaging programs that connect communities with their past.
The Society was selected for its 2024 “Marking the Moment” exhibition at the Port Macquarie Museum.
It featured 30 significant objects from the museum’s collection, each telling a unique story reflecting the History Week theme “Marking Time”.
Museum Curator Debbie Sommers said the objects reflected personal, local, and national milestones.
“Each object marked a moment in time – whether it was a commemoration, a change, or a continuation of tradition. “We are thrilled that our efforts have been recognised through this award, and we share it with all the passionate volunteers, supporters and visitors who help keep our local history alive.”
The award was announced by the History Council of NSW during History Week 2025, at an event in Sydney on 9 September.
“This award is a tribute to the power of storytelling and the importance of local museums in connecting people to place and memory,” Ms Sommers said.
“We’re honoured to be the first recipients and encouraged to continue sharing Port Macquarie’s rich and diverse history.”
To mark this year’s History Week, the museum has curated a new exhibition called “Reflections – Life at the Lake House”.
It features the intimate journals and diary entries of Annabella Boswell, whose vivid accounts of life at Lake Innes House – once the grand residence of Major Archibald Innes – reveal a deep connection to the surrounding waters.
Her narratives are brought to life through a unique blend of personal archives, historical objects and contemporary artworks that invite reflection on the enduring relationship between people, place and water.
The Reflections exhibition is on display until 31 January 2026.
The Port Macquarie Museum is located at 22 Clarence Street, and is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
The museum’s final “First Sunday Free” for the year will be held on Sunday 5 October.
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