Museums and social media have not always been linked together, but in 2010 the ‘Ask a Museum’ initiative was established to change that. Initially established to harness the networking power of Twitter, the concept is now an annual event that also embraces other social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
Members of the Westbury & Districts Historical Society were recently asked to provide their answers to some of the questions that have been asked in previous years of the ‘Ask a Museum’ campaigns. The first question was ‘Why did you join WDHS?’ Not surprisingly, all of the members have an interest in local and family history and joined the society for research purposes and as a way to interact with others that have similar interests.
Three of the questions were linked to the objects in the collection ‘What is your favourite object in the WDHS collection?’; ‘If you could only save one object from the WDHS collection what would it be?’; and ‘What item in the WDHS collection would you like to take home and why?’. The responses to the questions were varied and showcase the wide range of objects that are located in the WDHS collection at the history rooms in Lyall Street.
The history rooms have an extensive collection of maps and photographs. As one member noted, maps are a great way to see how a location has evolved. Photographs can provide so much information about an era including fashion, household items, transport and architecture. At WDHS, we love to see any photographs related to this area, even if the people are unknown. There is always a chance that someone in the group or on social media may be able to identify a face or a place.
Some of the objects mentioned as favourite objects by our members are generic. Objects such as convict bricks, war medals, coins, clothing and books. Other objects are more specific. All of them can provide a wonderful insight into local and social history.
For example, Laura Paulina Wright, who lived at the local Brookville property, kept a diary for over thirty years from 25 October 1863, until 3 August 1894, just two weeks before her death at the age of 76. A transcript of the diary was donated to WDHS in 2003. The diary entries are not narrative, but are typical of daily life diary entries. The entries are relatively short, averaging five sentences per entry, with a focus on the weather, chores, correspondence, visits and visitors. It is an important reference for local and family history research.
Robert Lyall’s mourning brooch has a miniature portrait of the ex-convict who became known as the ‘King of Westbury’. Mourning jewellery carried emotional and symbolic meaning for those left behind. Mourning lockets and brooches often incorporated the hair of the deceased. It is possible that Robert’s Lyall’s mourning brooch may have originally held his hair, but over time the backing has been lost. The WDHS collection also has objects from Robert Lyall’s Westbury Inn, including a bathroom container and a serving tray.
In addition to the Westbury Inn, the WDHS collection has a number of items from other local businesses, including receipt books, invoices, advertisements and signage. For example, items from the White House, opposite the Village Green, include store tokens from Thomas White’s era and an organ that was owned by later owners.
Other objects highlight the importance of community groups. A clock, now on display at the history rooms, was presented in 1949 in memory of Elizabeth Beveridge, the first President of the Westbury Branch of the CWA. She was also a foundation member of the Hagley Branch.
The school display at the history rooms includes a school desk that was actually used at the local public primary school and was donated by the son of a former pupil. It seats five children, individually sectioned and complete with inkwells. Given the size, which accommodates small children, it shows how young children were when they started their public education.
During 2025, the Westbury & Districts Historical Society will be publishing more of ‘Ask a Museum’ questions and answers. Make sure you like our Facebook page to see these responses. However, we would also love to answer any other questions. Do you have a question that you would like to ask our members? If so, please contact us via Facebook or on 0467 097 791.
If you would like to view any of the items in our collection, the history rooms on Lyall Street are open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 2pm.
