Share your story with the Gallery & Museum as the Town Hall marks its 80 year

Share your story with the Gallery & Museum as the Town Hall marks its 80 year

Join the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum and Mayor Gail Sellers, 10.30am Monday 15 September 2014, for morning tea as they officially launch the historical exhibition, Town Hall Turns 80.  This exhibition marks the Town Hall building's 80th year, looking back at its diverse uses since 1934.  Recognised as one of the most prestigious buildings in Gladstone, the Town Hall has a statement of significance permanent entry in the Queensland Heritage Register, outlining its importance within the State.

Originally built in 1933-34 during the economic depression as a job stimulus initiative for local families, the elegant building served for many years as the Town Hall and Municipal Chambers.  Featuring a large open room with sprung floors and a raised stage, the building hosted many exciting events such as flower shows, boxing bouts, eisteddfods, concerts, cinema screenings, aerobics classes, parties and dances.  In 1985 it was decided that the building should change to become an Art Gallery & Museum and so modifications were made, including the removal of the stage.

At Monday's opening, Mayor Sellers will officially launch Town Hall Turns 80 which is on display from Saturday 13 September and runs until Saturday 1 November 2014.  A celebratory morning tea will be provided after the formalities.  If you would like to come along, RSVP to the Gallery & Museum by 5pm, Wednesday 10 September on (07) 4976 6766 or email gragm@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au

Gallery & Museum Curator Jo Duke is welcoming members of the community to record their memories of the Town Hall building by contributing to a multimedia oral history collection.

"We know that the community will have many stories that they would like to share with us, recalling their memories and experiences in the Town Hall building over the last 80 years," she said. 

"We'd like to record as many stories as possible on digital media, drawing together a fabulous document of the building's history and the people who have shared their time here."

If you would like to contribute to the oral history collection regarding the Town Hall, visit the Gallery & Museum between Monday 15 September and Thursday 18 September 2014 and make a booking to speak with Gallery & Museum Heritage Officer, Lyn Lee.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum is located on the corner of Goondoon & Bramston Streets, Gladstone and is open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm and admission is free.  

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