Our Inspiration
The Channel Museum is owned by the Channel Historical and Folk Museum Association Inc. and is operated by volunteer members of our Association.
The Association was formed in 1977 by Mr J.B."Jim" Waldie, a descendant of early Channel settlers. Jim was passionate about the spirit of the early settlers - the whaler/timber cutters, shingle splitters, bullock drivers, pit sawyers, early sailors and river craft men. He wrote:
"We owe it to our early settlers to keep their memory before the present generation."
Jim provided part of his house "The Rockery" at Lower Snug to enable the Channel Historical and Folk Museum to open in 1979. Over time this museum expanded, and the house was given to the Association by Jim.
The Museum continued to expand, and in 2004 the name was changed to the Channel Heritage Museum. With further expansion there was growing need to find an alternative location to house the exhibits. In 2011 the Museum at Lower Snug closed with the collections prepared for display at the new location.
Our Facilities
The Channel Museum moved to its present, more spacious 700 square metre purpose-built facility in Margate and welcomed the first visitors on 28 July 2012. Our extensive collection has been amassed over 50 years and now includes more than 8,000 pieces. Our collection is mainly comprised of common everyday items that have been used and donated by the residents of the Channel community.
The Museum includes over 24 individual displays, the Norton Camera Collection, a library/reading room and cafe.
Recognition of our work.
In 2017, we were awarded a Bronze Award for Cultural Tourism by the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania.
Our Members
The Channel Museum is managed & operated by over 30 volunteer members. Our volunteers undertake many varied roles in the running of the Museum including visitor reception, tour guides, collection management and displays, and library and research services.They offer visitors unique insights into the the local area, along with an enthusiastic authentic narrative perpetuating Jim's passion.
We welcome new members and encourage them to become volunteers and to actively participate in all aspects of the association's activities.
Benefits of being a member:
- Free admittance to the Channel Museum.
- The satisfaction of supporting a community organisation dedicated to the discovery, documentation, preservation, and sharing of our heritage and culture.
- You will be invited to attend our Annual General Meeting and to nominate for positions on the committee.
- You will receive our Annual Report, quarterly newsletter and invitations to events.
Our Strategic Plan
Adopted June 2023
Channel Museum - Statement of Purpose and Strategic Plan
Our Constitution
The rules of our Association - updated and adopted June 2024