The Yass Valley History Centre will officially launch its new exhibition, National Treasures, Local Stories, on Thursday, 6 November 2025 at 5:30 pm, showcasing a rare collection that has now been formally recognised as nationally significant.
The event will be officially opened by Ben Maguire AM, co-host of the equine-based veterans support program Remount, and former Chair of the National Museum of Australia and Chief Executive of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, with Wendy Tuckerman MP, Member for Goulburn, also taking part in proceedings.
The invitation-only launch on 6 November will be followed by the public opening on Sunday 9 November, when the exhibition will be available to all visitors during normal History Centre hours with free entry.
A milestone for Yass Valley
The Yass Valley History Centre holds an extraordinary collection of archives, photographs, objects and records collected since 1961 that tell the story of the region’s people, industries, and achievements. A recent professional assessment has confirmed the collection meets national significance criteria, placing it among the most important community-held heritage collections in Australia.
“This recognition is not just about the History Centre, it’s about the shared history of the Yass Valley and the way our stories contribute to Australia’s broader national narrative. It marks an important milestone for the whole community, strengthening Yass Valley’s place as a key regional cultural destination and opens new opportunities for heritage-based tourism.”
— Sheree Bamforth, Publicity Officer, Yass Valley History Centre
What the exhibition offers
• Showcases items from eleven key archival collections
• Features stories of innovation, endurance and community identity
• Includes the launch of the Centre’s first online exhibition, with extended content, images and audio to broaden access beyond the region.
Event Details Official Opening & Exhibition Launch (guests only) Thursday 6 November, 5:30 pm Yass Valley History Centre, 247A Comur Street, Yass
Official opening by Ben Maguire AM
Online exhibition live from this date: www.yasshistory.org.au
Public Opening From Sunday 9 November 2025
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays 10 am to 4 pm.
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