About this objectSchool building and collection based around the St Joseph’s Convent School, 1922-1967, Park Street Millthorpe. The collection, in brief, includes the brick school building, school documents, replica Nuns habits, in-situ bookshelf and book contents, school records, photographs and associated school documents.
St Joseph’s Convent School land, and convent building, were purchased in about September 1921. Three wooden cottages stood on the site which were demolished for the convent school, built in 1922 with the foundation stone laid on Sunday 22nd January, 1922 by Bishop O’Farrell . The school ran from 1922-1967.
The convent (and school) was closed, along with another five in 1967. Believed due to the changes in school regime with the Wynham Scheme in the mid 1960’s. The Millthorpe Historical Society purchased the Convent School and land to the north of the lane in the early 1970’s. It was renamed the Pioneers Gallery and houses a large collection of pioneering family portraits around the room. Till 2019 it was used as a museum space when the building was refurbished inside. The building is now used as an entertaining area. It still retaining the school history and items. to engage visitors and to tell the story of the building, Sisters of St Joseph and former school story.
Researched by Hayley Lavers for Golden Memories Millthorpe Museum, July 2020
