Completed Projects
Over the years a number of restoration projects have been undertaken and completed at New Norcia. Below are the details of some of the more recent projects.
2010 – Blacksmith’s Shop (reopened)
The restoration of the Blacksmith’s Shop was re-opened as a Friends project in 2010. Most of the structural and external work was funded during the 2008 fundraising, however other aspects remained unfunded including the internal fit-out, interpretive resources and lighting and electrical works. The lighting and electrical work has been completed and work is now underway to prepare the interpretative resources.
2009 – Abbot Placid Spearritt Memorial Scholarship
In memory of the late Abbot Placid Spearritt, who died in October 2008, New Norcia founded a scholarship in 2009 with the intention of bringing a scholar to New Norcia each year to work in the Archives on a specific project. The research would then be made available to everyone interested in Australian history.
The scholarship has been remarkably well supported by hundreds of donors. By June 2011 we have received xxx, with donations continuing. The scholarship remains an open fund; so on-going donations into the future are welcome. Further information on the Scholarship can be found here link to D5A
2008 – Blacksmith’s Shop
The 2008 Friends Special Project was restoration of the Blacksmith’s Shop. Work commenced during 2009 and included a new roof and work on the walls, window and door frames and the doors themselves.
2007 – Museum Storage Project
The 2007 project saw $150,000 collected towards the creation and installation of a state of the art storage system for New Norcia’s art collection. With over 300 artworks in the collection and a regular programme of exhibitions, interdepartmental rehangs and loans to outside institutions there was a need for a safe, secure, user-friendly storage area.
2006 – Mission Cottage
Built in the 1860s for an Aboriginal family, the cottage on the northern side had various uses during its time; accommodation, an occasional police station in the 1940s and by the 1960s a public toilet block. Over the years it had fallen into a significant state of disrepair and restoring it was a challenge, however work was finally completed in 2008 and it is now open for the public to view along with interpretative material.
