Batemans Bay Heritage Museum

The Batemans Bay Heritage Museum is operated by volunteer members of the Clyde River & Batemans Bay Historical Society Incorporated. It was formed in July 1977.

Key Themes
1. Early settlement and development
2. Maritime industry
3. Local commercial and agricultural history
4. Domestic life focusing on early-mid 20th century
5. Lest We Forget memorabilia
6. Keeping Place – Aboriginal artifacts
7. Hand tools and industry specific equipment, eg antique and /or representative
8. Geology of the Far South Coast
9. Temporary exhibitions reflecting contemporary and community events.

History
The CR& BBHS was formed in 1977, meeting in members’ homes. When a collection was started, acquisition depended on the rented premises available, so no real policy was developed until by the 1980s it was plain that the town had outgrown its police station, and in 1985 a new brick Courthouse leaving the old Courthouse and police residence free. Attorney-General, the Hon. Terry Sheahan, handed the old police building to the Historical Society as a permanent home for its collection.

It was 10 years before the Society’s building moved to its present site, next to the Town Water Gardens. At which time the Department of Education offered Nelligen’s former one-room schoolhouse. Subsequently the two buildings were roofed over as one precinct.

The Old Courthouse is listed on the Local Environment Plan as a heritage item.