Swords and Bayonets
This exhibition represents an amazing cross section of weapons from an era where a sword would have been an essential part of a soldiers fighting equipment or a gift as a mark of respect for exemplary service. These weapons are the pick of our collection and represent our earliest local commanders and more recent notable Tasmanian soldiers through to our first Premier. Names like Champ, Legge, Youl and Lowes with interesting stories about their lives and their service in Tasmania.
The Military in Colonial Tasmania
This exhibition features personal objects from Officers and Soldiers who served in British Regiments on colonial duty in Tasmania between 1811 – 1870.
The First World War 1914-18
This World War 1 display features the story of three Tasmanian brothers from the Orchard family and memorabilia related to their service. The display also includes the uniform of Private Chilcott of the 12th Battalion who was wounded on the morning of the 25th of April 1915 at Gallipoli.
WW1 Command Bunker
Recreating a command post bunker on the Western Front, this exhibit includes a range of authentic historical items from the collection, displayed as they would have been.
The Second World War 1939-45
Featuring stories of Tasmanian men and women who served overseas, an awards & honour board as well histories of our home Battalions including the 2/40 Bn. It includes a range of artefacts and photo stories of Tasmania’s role supporting the troops. including local manufacturing such as Blundestone boots.
The Vietnam War 1965-1972
Between 1962 and 1975, some 2,233 Tasmanians served in the Vietnam war. Sixteen paid the supreme sacrifice. This exhibition comprises a collection of photographs, uniforms, weapons, equipment, maps, medals, memorabilia and models of the the Viet Cong tunnel system and booby traps.
Medals Open House
Displays over 300 medals that have been awarded to Tasmanian men and women during times of war in the period 1899 – 1950. It also features medals issued to members of those British Regiments who prior to service in Tasmania had served in the Napoleonic Wars, in the Indian Sub continent, the Crimean and Maori Wars.
Hobart Girls Reformatory
This exhibit identifies the girls who were imprisoned here and the underlying social issues and offences that led to their imprisonment in the period 1881 – 1905. The display focuses on one girl Victoria May Floyd, the child of a convict, later the wife of a Volunteer soldier but a troubled teenager.
Women in Service
This exhibition features material from Army nurses, Women’s Land Army, Voluntary Aid Detachments and the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps.
The Cameron Collection
This exhibition showcases some of the extensive material from the Cameron Family Collection and includes various items from 1870 – 1930. It has been described as the most significant collection of military uniforms and equipment related to one family held by any Australian Museum.
Military Gaol Cell
This cell interprets a British soldier in custody. It features Jeremiah Corbett, 40th Regiment, who enlisted in 1854 at Cork, Ireland and travelled to Australia where his drinking problem led to a series of imprisonments from 1855 – 1860 when he was discharged. During his time in the prison he carved some graffiti on his cell door.