Projects

Current project

Since the 1830s, migrants from many communities have made a remarkable contribution to the settlement and development of Orange. Following the Second World War, many migrants from Europe made their home in Orange, transforming the economy, culture and landscape of the city. As these post-war migrants' age, it is vital their stories are recorded and their contribution to the development of Orange is documented.

A community heritage study was set up to research and document the migration heritage of the Orange district, particularly objects associated with experiences of migration.

Now complete, the study has:

• researched the migration history of the Orange district;

• interviewed former post Second World War migrants and their families to document memories of migration and settlement in the Orange district;

• recorded the memories and associations of migration heritage objects, memorabilia and photos;

• with the owners' permission, copied photos and documents and photographed their objects;

• provided advice to owners and families on how to care for their migration heritage objects, photos and memorabilia; and

• identified and researched significant migration heritage places in Orange and district.

The project culminated in an exhibition at the Orange Regional Gallery and a book entitled Half A World Away. An online exhibition is being produced for History Week 2007. Many of the migration memories and objects from this project are featured in the NSW Migration Heritage Centre's online Belongings exhibition.

Half A World Away is a NSW Migration Heritage Centre partnership project with Orange City Council with support from Regional Museums Adviser, Kylie Winkworth. The heritage study was contracted to local journalist and historian Elisabeth Edwards.

PROJECT CONTACT:
Community Liaison Adviser, Orange City Council, Alison Russell

Address:
PO Box 35, ORANGE NSW 2800

Tel: 02 6393 8170

Email: arussell@orange.nsw.gov.au