By Lian Armstrong
Have you ever gone past the Altona Homestead Museum and wondered what’s within?
This is my account of my second visit to the homestead accompanied by an interview and review.
After not even knocking on the door, I was greeted and invited inside the homestead. As someone from Generation Y I felt as if I had stepped into the early 1900s. All ages are welcome to experience this homestead including individuals or groups such as schools. Tourists from far and wide, including Japan, have absorbed the western suburbs’ historic past. The house displays a mixture of designs from the colonial style of the early settlers, to the 1900s update. Inside the homestead I found it warm, cosy, and engaging, with high ceilings and golden chocolate wooden floorboards. There is a courtyard outside, with bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms and the museum, inside the house. The homestead felt homey as well as having an educational feel of the historical past when this house was of use. I like the comforting fireplace that dated back to the past.
The Langhorne’s originally built this property and over the years it’s been used for cattle, sheep and even a seaside holiday resort. You can find spices and ingredients on display like tea and corn flour relevant to the time, and cooking equipment such as a pot to hang over a flame which was common for this era.
After interviewing a member of the homestead society this is what I discovered.
It was built in 1841 so is now 184 years old. However it was rebuilt in 1851 with bluestone from Tasmania. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Victoria so it’s a great opportunity to glimpse how life was lived in the past, especially life in the 1850s.
It was classified as a Museum and storage facility in the 1990s. When people visit the museum they are pleasantly surprised at what they learn.
People can use the homestead as a venue for all sorts of occasions. It’s even hosted weddings for the Twentyman family. In fact, the Twentyman family were the last caretakers here in the 1950’s.
Many of the items in the Museum have been donated by locals, and the information about the homestead will be of particular interest to locals.
It’s now owned by the Hobsons Bay Council and is kept in good order and condition.
After I shook hands with my guide I left the homestead to take photos. I think it would be just to award this museum a 7.5 out of 10 for the service of the tour guide and the overall feel of the building. I feel like you must see history in the flesh with your own eyes because you need more than photos and the website to do justice to the Museum. I would personally like to return one day and try the Devonshire Tea brunch.
You can experience the Altona Homestead Museum and the rich history of the western suburbs at 128 Queen Street, Altona in Logan Reserve opposite Altona Library. The website is alhs.com.au
