A recently opened exhibit at the Museum of Tropical Queensland (MTQ) celebrating 150 years of Townsville’s milestones has been a winner with the public, with visitors arriving in strong numbers to take a trip through the city’s storied history.
The exhibit titled “Townsville turns 150: the old and the news” covers all the major events that have taken place since Townsville was declared a municipality in 1866 to the spirited rejuvenation of the city's heart in 2016, through the lens of local media reporting through that time span.
When entering the exhibit the first thing visitors will notice is the chronological timeline that spans the walls of the exhibit’s display room detailing the events that occurred in each decade.
The early newspaper stories reflected - and shaped - the opinions of a settler community, but as Townsville grew and evolved, so too did the stories, providing unique insights into the city's life and lives and better reflecting the diversity of its residents.
MTQ director Peter McLeod said it was a challenge to get the exhibit ready to open in time for the city’s anniversary on February 15.
“We had six months to get the project ready, but I think that pushed us to really nail down our vision which allowed us to proceed very efficiently,” he said.
“It’s been pleasing to hear visitors reacting so enthusiastically to what we’ve presented and many people have come in to inspect this exhibit specifically.
“I’d like to acknowledge the hard work put in by members of James Cook University, the Townsville Bulletin, Townsville City Libraries and our staff here at the Museum of Tropical Queensland in making the display such a success.”
Until the exhibit closes on January 29, 2017, a series of special guests will be giving presentations to the public at the museum highlighting various aspects of Townsville’s history.
“Our first guest Dr Dorothy Gibson-Wilde OAM gave close to 80 visitors a historical account of the lost buildings of Townsville which was very well received.
“Dr Katharina Fabricius from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) will be our next guest speaker on March 8. She will be centering her presentation around the Coral Reef and the changes that have occurred within it over the last decade and a half.”
The exhibit also features over 200 everyday objects which show how different aspects of society have changed, from communications and technology, to cameras and cultural items.
Townsville turns 150 was developed with the support of a grant from the Townsville City Council's Townsville 150th Anniversary Grant Program.
Visit mtq.qm.qld.gov.au for more information.
