Lawrence Museum

11/06/2026

Lawrence Museum – Will You be Part of its Future

Thanks to all who attended the public meeting on Wednesday 10 June, at Lawrence Public Hall.
Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, chaired the meeting and explained that the museum is facing the serious issue of decline in committee members. The purpose of the meeting was to increase public awareness of the problem and to encourage new members and committee members.
Without recruitment of new committee members, the Lawrence Museum is in danger of closing.
Lawrence Historical Society member, Roz Jones, explained the origins of the Museum and the achievements of the Society since its opening in June 2004.
Lawrence Museum has become an outstanding Museum, amazing visitors with the comprehensive Lawrence collection and communications collection. It has become an important local tourism attraction, along with the Lawrence Tavern, Lawrence General Store, and Secret Lakes camping ground.
Since the acquisition of the building, the former 2NR Broadcast Station, from Broadcast Australia, in 2002, the Society has restored the heritage listed building and constructed a new 2 storey display building. The collection in these buildings depicts the local history from Aboriginal settlement and early white settlement from the 1840’s onward.
The major source of inspiration for many of displays created was the book,’ Lawrence- a history of a settlement,’ compiled by researcher Mike Gillespie.
Mike was on hand as guest speaker to explain the importance of the local history and how Lawrence became a major port on the Clarence around 1860.
Roz acknowledged the many community contributions in establishing, extending and operating the museum, from businesses, local organisations and individuals.
The Lawrence Historical Society has been well supported with committee members since inception, but age and ill health have depleted the committee.
It is imperative new members join the Society to enable the museum to continue to move forward to the future. The main construction works and curated displays are completed. It is only a matter of continuing operations, and with sufficient members the tasks are not onerous.
New members are invited to join (membership is only $10) and may fill casual vacancies on the committee leading up to the Annual General Meeting, when they may nominate for positions on the committee. The AGM is usually held in September, but the date will be decided by the committee.
The next committee meeting Tuesday 14 July at 10.15am but interested people can come along any Tuesday morning to have a look at the museum and discuss possibilities. Or they can contact Roz Jones 0429 477 102 for further information.
The meeting was attended by Mayor of Clarence Valley Council, Ray Smith, councillors Andrew Baker and Cristie Jaeger.
Photos show construction of the Broadcast Station in the 1930's and current Lawrence Museum.

02/06/2026

28/05/2026

Congratulations to Eulie (Eulaylie) Allen, 90 years young
Tuesday 26th May was a very special day for Eulie Allen, she reached her 90th birthday.
Her family and friends organised a party for her at the Lawrence Museum, where Eulie has been a volunteer for over 24 years.
Eulie is a well loved lady in Lawrence, and only a few years ago moved from a bush environment outside Lawrence, to Lawrence itself.
Eulie was a founding member of the Lawrence Museum in 2002, along with friends and other founding members, Rae Harrison and Vois Bancroft, who were able to attend the party and share the day.
Eulie still volunteers at the museum each week, and is a highly respected and loved member of the team.
Now on her way to Newcastle, Eulie will celebrate her birthday with many more friends and family, including her brother, and sister, travelling from Tasmania for the occasion.
Happy Birthday Eulie from all of us at the Museum.

22/05/2026

Lawrence Museum Looks for New Leadership
After more than 12 years as President and Vice President, both Rob Forbes and Roz Jones have tendered their resignations in these positions.
Now is the time for new community members to consider putting up their hand to lead a now, well established and highly respected museum.
The Museum is in the former 2NR Broadcast Station. Built in the 1930’s, the building provides a substantial setting for the Lawrence collection display.
The hard work is completed. The 1930’s heritage listed Broadcast Station building has been restored inside and out, and a 2-story display shed created at the rear of the building. The museum precinct, including outbuildings, presents a large collection of objects significant to Lawrence, as well as an extensive communications collection.
The Lawrence Museum is owned and operated by the Lawrence Historical Society Inc. a non-profit organisation, and registered charity.
Now new leadership and committee members are needed to ensure the future of the Lawrence Museum and its amazing collection.
The Society constitution allows for a President, 2 Vice presidents, a Treasurer, Secretary and Public Officer, as well as 3-4 committee members.
Community members who may had some administrative or managerial experience would not find any of the positions difficult.
Most of the work needed is easily completed in a few hours on Tuesday mornings at the Museum’s working bee.
The Museum is open to the public on Tuesday mornings and weekends 1.00pm – 4.00pm. Current volunteer guides manage the weekend openings. We always welcome more volunteers for weekend guide duty.
If you are interested, or would like further information, please call Roz Jones on 0429 477 102.
ENDS

02/05/2026

Golf Club supports Lawrence Museum
The Lawrence Sports and Golf Club were pleased to donate $500 to the Lawrence Historical Society for the continued operation of the Lawrence Museum.
Representatives from the Golf Club included Graham Casswell, Sue & Arnie Boon. They were delighted to view the new features at the museum, the replica old Miles Store and Lawrence Lock-up with the original cell door from the Lawrence Police Station. They were amazed at the ‘Undercover’ exhibition, particularly the late 1800’ and early 1900’s underwear.
The ‘Undercover’ exhibition closes at the end of May, so only a few more weeks to see this quirky display.
Lawrence Historical representatives included Prue Harrington, treasurer, Ali Durant and Lorna Reeves.
The Lawrence Historical Society Inc. owns the land, building and collection for the Lawrence Museum, so is responsible for rates, water, power, insurances and other fixed costs. The Society is very grateful to the Lawrence Sports and Golf Club for the donation as it will enable care and development of the Lawrence Collection.

21/04/2026

Lawrence Museum - ANZAC Day

Lawrence Museum will be open Saturday 25th April from 1.00pm - 4.00pm for those wishing to visit the Salute to Our Servicemen & Women.

12/04/2026

Secrets of the closet unveiled.
Robin Hosking once again shared some secrets of what the ladies of yesteryear wore under their outer clothes. Beautiful handmade cottons and linens were revealed.
Narelle Chesworth followed with some later underwear, showing the introduction of man made fabrics and elastic.
Robin and Narelle were presenting " What will I Wear Tonight" . The presentation was part of the Lawrence Museum's UNDERCOVER exhibition, running till Tuesday April 28.
Why not take a selfie with the girls in the bedroom?
Don't miss out, only 2 more weekends, 1.00pm - 4.00pm.
Robin has kindly offered to repeat her presentation for any groups wishing to book, minimum 12 people, cost $5pp. Call 0429 477 102 to book.

11/04/2026

Correction!
'What Will I Wear Tonight?'
The last presentation by Robin Hosking and Narelle Chesworth at Lawrence Museum Sunday 12 April at 4.00pm.
This presentation is part of the 'UNDERCOVER' exhibition currently on display at the Museum.
The presentation is by ticket purchased at the door, $5 adults - men and women welcome, something for all. You will be amazed at what you may learn.
And don't forget to take a selfie with the girls in the bedroom!

Lawrence Museum is open for the exhibition on Saturday and Sunday from 1.00pm - 4.00pm Admission $5 adults.

09/04/2026

Don't miss 'What Will I Wear Tonight?'

The last presentation by Robin Hosking and Narelle Chesworth at Lawrence Museum Sunday 11 April.

This presentation is part of the 'UNDERCOVER' exhibition currently on display at the Museum.

Lawrence Museum is open for the exhibition on Saturday and Sunday from 1.00pm - 4.00pm Admission $5 adults.

The presentation is by ticket purchased at the door, $5 adults - men and women welcome, something for all. You will be amazed at what you may learn.

And don't forget to take a selfie with the girls in the bedroom!

31/03/2026

Broken toys in children's display at Lawrence Museum.

The doll and the puppet are both quite old. Do we have to put displays behind glass to protect them?