“The society was involved with the erection of a market recognising the discovery of gold in Burrangong Creek during 1860, was undertaken and funded by The Young Witness,” she said.

Mrs Simpson revealed that an historical exhibition held at the South West Regional Library in 1961 featured two items that remain in the museum collection, and feature prominently in the new exhibition today – the Roll Up Banner and the large set of bank scales.

“Apparently there was also a Melbourne Cup on display, bud sadly we don’t have it,” she told those in attendance.

She said the history of the Roll Up Banner’s acquisition was now depicted within the new display.

The quest to find the museum a permanent home was first realised in 1963 when the Services & Citizens’ Club bought the Presbyterian Church, then located on the corner of Marina and Lynch Sts, and made it available free of charge.

Apex, Rotary and Lions club groups helped historical society members with repairs.

A grant of $2,000 from the 1967 Cherry Festival carnival, along with donations of display cabinets from local service clubs and shops helped with internal fixtures and the museum was opened in 1967.

Mrs Simpon paid tribute to all club members who had worked over the years including Niall Hogan, Brian Ellerman, Clarence Webb, Bill Kavanagh, Arthur Mychael and Lyster Holland, Bob Chandler, Max Holmes, Marjorie Dawe, Nan Stonestreet, Doris McGlynn, Wilf Smith, Eric Smith, Daphne Monteagle, Barbara Brennan, Bonnie May, Les Randle and Peter McGlynn.

“Blackguard Gully off the Boorowa Rd and adjoining land were secured after long discussions with Gus Long about the area, where there was evidence of former mining activities and the outlines of a pug mill and former water races,” she said.

“The area was developed with walking trails and historic displays and is still used for fossicking.”

The museum moved to its present address in the late 1970’s in the vacated public school building in Campbell St with the help of government funds, public appeals, a fete and local volunteers, moving to the current premises know as the Community Arts Centre and gaining another room in 1993.

The historical society also helped with fund collection for the big cherries sculpture, the bi centenary celebrations and has entered floats and held stalls during Cherry Festival.

Mrs Simpson pointed out that the volunteers had contributed much to the Young community, all while managing to keep the museum doors open to the public for 360 plus days a year.

She urged all residents to call in to view the new exhibition, saying there was great interest in Young’s early days from universities, schools and visiting history buffs, and hoped that locals would be keen to find out more about their own town’s past.