UPDATE: The Albury Library Museum has just unveiled a groundbreaking new exhibition, Bungambrawatha Stories, showcasing over 550 artifacts. Officially opened on July 25, 2023, this permanent exhibit replaces the long-standing Crossing Place display, which has captivated audiences since the museum’s inception in 2007.
Curators Kate Eastick and Kat Kitch have meticulously transformed the exhibition, significantly increasing the number of displayed items from 350 to 550. “This expansion allows us to tell stories that were previously untold,” said Eastick. Key highlights include COVID masks, a historic Haberfields milk carton, and soil samples representing the various origins of Albury’s Indigenous community.
The exhibition also delves into the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring artifacts such as a cross-border entry permit and photographs capturing the checkpoints that defined this challenging period. This area connects the histories of Albury and Wodonga, showcasing their shared heritage through items like a vintage Sanyo television and a Borg-Warner uniform.
In her role overseeing the Indigenous display, Kat Kitch, a member of the Wiradjuri community, emphasized the importance of using a first-person narrative. “Our stories are living stories. It’s essential that our voices are heard,” Kitch stated. The exhibit’s innovative presentation includes soil samples in custom containers, allowing visitors to see the stark contrast between the red soil of Alice Springs and the brown dirt of Mount Pilot.
During the opening ceremony, Mayor Kevin Mack highlighted the significance of the exhibition, stating, “After 18 years, it’s overdue. It’s wonderful to see stories of our migrant populations and the challenges we’ve faced as a community over the past 150 years.” The event was marked by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Aunty Edna Stewart and Darren Wighton, along with local historians and community leaders.
A celebratory event is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, featuring guided tours and cultural performances from the Mailyan Mob from 10 AM to 2 PM. This unveiling of the Bungambrawatha Stories exhibition not only enriches the cultural fabric of Albury but also promises to engage the community in vital conversations about its diverse history.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Albury Library Museum continues to evolve and inspire with its rich collection of artifacts that tell the story of the region and its people.
