Kapunda Historical Society Museum

19/05/2026

We’re thrilled to be featured in a recent GLAM Adelaide story highlighting the Kapunda Historical Society Museum!

The article shines a light on our unique collections, fascinating local history, and the stories that make Kapunda such a special place to explore. This wonderful opportunity came about thanks to one of our dedicated volunteers, who recognised the importance of sharing our museum with a wider South Australian audience.

If you haven’t visited in a while, now’s the perfect time to rediscover what’s on offer.

A big thank you to GLAM Adelaide - and to our incredible volunteer - for helping
share our story!

https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fglamadelaide.com.au%2Fkapunda-museum-restoration-sources-rare-glass-from-australias-last-remaining-supplies-to-preserve-1860s-church%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCRuediger%40light.sa.gov.au%7Cb8cb600eb7fc4c85fd7a08de8f9b4371%7Ccafcdb874e664da197cf0210787d21da%7C0%7C0%7C639106094211375840%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=oaSDfIcwXIdA2KHEFdW5rZ%2B1TJPIU%2FvWuh%2FTW9L69iU%3D&reserved=0

Kapunda Museum has undergone its first major restoration works in 75 years on its historic former Baptist church building.

17/05/2026

🌟 National Volunteer Week – Thank You 🌟

The Kapunda Historical Society Museum would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful volunteers this National Volunteer Week.

Your dedication, passion, and generosity in giving your time help keep our museum running and our local history alive. From welcoming visitors and sharing stories, to caring for our collections and supporting events, your contributions make a lasting difference to our community.

We are truly grateful for everything you do - your efforts ensure that Kapunda’s rich heritage continues to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come. 💛

👉 We are always looking to grow our volunteer team! There are so many different ways you can get involved - whether it’s welcoming visitors, assisting with displays, helping behind the scenes, supporting events, or sharing your own skills and interests. If you’d like to be part of a friendly and supportive group, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for being such an important part of our museum family.

16/05/2026

👀 A Sneak Peek Inside the Kapunda Museum…

Take a quiet moment to step back in time…

Here at the Kapunda Historical Society Museum, every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. From treasured artefacts to carefully preserved pieces of everyday life, our collection offers a glimpse into the people, places, and moments that shaped our town.

This little sneak peek is just the beginning—each item carries memories of those who came before us, their labour, resilience, and community spirit woven into Kapunda’s rich history.

We are honoured to care for these stories and share them with you. Whether you’ve visited before or are yet to come through our doors, we invite you to pause, reflect, and connect with the past.

✨ There is always more to uncover…

https://www.lightcountry.com.au/kapunda-museum-home

13/05/2026

Kapunda Museum Tours – Upcoming Bus Trips

Sunday, 31 May – Maitland “Lost Trades Experience”

Join us for a fascinating day trip to the Maitland Museum and step back in time at the Lost Trades Experience.

Enjoy a wide range of attractions and hands-on displays including:
• Heritage exhibits
• Blacksmith demonstrations
• Stationary engines
• Working Clydesdale horse
• Wool spinning, lace making, knitting & embroidery
• Scrapbooking displays
• Delicious cakes, biscuits & BBQ
• Coffee van on site
• Raffles and much more

Cost: $40 per person (includes admission, lunch not included – available for purchase on site)
Departure: 9:00am sharp from Hill Street, Kapunda

Sunday, 5 July – Mypolonga Experience

Don’t miss this exciting tour combining local produce and classic motoring!
Visit Aussie Apricots and the Revolution Car Museum, featuring an impressive collection of veteran and American muscle cars.

Your day includes:
• Morning tea
• Informative apricot presentation
• Take-home sample bag
• Two-course BBQ lunch
• Entry to the Revolution Car Museum & cinema experience
• Comfortable return bus travel

Cost: $60 per person
Departure: 9:00am sharp from Hill Street, Kapunda
Note: Limited seats available – book early to secure your place!

Bookings and Enquiries
To reserve your seat on either tour, please contact:

Malcolm Johncock
📞 0490 672 237
✉️ [email protected]

Please note: These tours are run on a not-for-profit basis and require a minimum of 15 passengers to proceed.

11/05/2026

A huge thank you from all of us at the Kapunda Museum to everyone who joined us for our History Month event. The positive energy throughout the day was incredible — it reminded us why sharing Kapunda’s stories matters so much.

A special thank you to:

• Light Country Community Centre for the delicious morning teas and light lunches
• Kapunda Community Chic Craft Shop for embracing the spirit of the day in beautiful vintage clothing
• Light Country Visitor Information Centre for your wonderful support with promotion

And to our small but mighty team of volunteers - thank you for firing up the blacksmith shop, giving talks, leading walking tours, dressing in vintage clothing, and handling all the behind‑the‑scenes work that made the event possible. Your passion keeps our history alive.

We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this event such a success.

https://www.lightcountry.com.au/kapunda-museum-home

09/05/2026

Come along to the Kapunda Museum today and meet our friendly volunteer (and her quiet helpers), dressed in period costume to celebrate the Kapunda Museum History Festival. As you can see, they’ll be demonstrating the art of preserving produce - bringing traditional skills to life!

We’re open FREE from 10am to 4pm - don’t miss this wonderful step back in time.

09/05/2026

Pop in and meet the wonderful ladies at the Kapunda Community Chic Craft Shop, located next door in the Institute. Beautifully dressed for History Month, they’re proudly supporting the community’s celebrations—come say hello and explore their delightful range!

09/05/2026

Happening Now in Kapunda!

Come down to the Kapunda Museum, entry is FREE today and experience history brought to life! Watch the blacksmith at work, step into an old-fashioned kitchen in action, and browse the treasures created by our talented Craft Shop ladies—perfect for finding unique homewares.

Don’t miss a special talk at 12 noon in the Kapunda Institute, where a local legend will share fascinating stories about Eringa.

While you’re here, treat yourself to a delicious country-style morning tea or light lunch, proudly served by the Light Country Community Centre Inc.

There’s something for everyone—come and enjoy a wonderful day out!

09/05/2026

In August 1859, the South Australian Railways took delivery of two new locomotives designed by Robert Stephenson himself. These 4-4-0 engines were more powerful and capable of travelling longer distances than the earlier locomotives Nos. 1 to 3—Adelaide, Victoria, and Albert. While the original engines were never assigned a class, the new Stephenson locomotives became known as the D Class, with six more arriving between 1862 and 1867.

In 1869, the original locomotives underwent a major rebuild and were converted into tender locomotives. This upgrade increased their water and fuel capacity, extended their range, and reduced wear on both rails and wheels by distributing weight more evenly. With these improvements, they were able to operate on the Kapunda Line.

The opening of the Kapunda Line in August 1860 by Governor Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell was a grand occasion celebrated across the state. Thirteen passenger carriages departed Adelaide, picking up more guests at Gawler, where an additional locomotive was added. Stations along the route were richly decorated, and the festivities continued well into the evening in Kapunda.

The railway served the Kapunda region for over a century, with passenger services ending in 1968 and the final grain train running in 1996.

Now, more than 160 years later, there’s still so much history waiting to be discovered.

The President of the Kapunda Historical Society Museum will be sharing a series of fascinating “Did You Know” facts—uncovering stories and details about Kapunda that you may not have heard before.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, come along, explore, and learn something new about our rich railway heritage and the history of our region.
https://www.lightcountry.com.au/kapunda-museum-home

👉 Visit us and discover Kapunda’s stories for yourself—we’d love to see you!

07/05/2026

🚶‍♂️ Step Back in Time this History Month 🚶‍♀️

Join the Kapunda Museum Walking Tour and uncover the stories, places and people that shaped this historic town. As part of History Month, this guided walk offers a fascinating glimpse into Kapunda’s rich past.

Kapunda Museum & Main Street Walking Tour
Saturday 9 May 10am - 4pm
(Bookings required)

📍 Don’t miss this special History Month experience!