History fight

@Normal:Emerald Museum volunteer Beryl Bartacek is worried about its future. 51103
They have joined forces with Emerald Community House to hold a brainstorm meeting this Sunday to increase volunteer numbers and breathe new life into the attraction.
Volunteer Beryl Bartacek also raised concerns the council was planning to remove the historic collection and use the space in Nobelius Heritage Park for another purpose.
“They don’t think it’s used enough,” she said.
“They don’t understand the museum is where you look after material and historical documents.”
Cardinia Shire Council spokesman Paul Dunlop said the council had no plans to close it and the council would help the committee ensure the museum was widely accessible to the community.
But Ms Bartacek said the shire had asked Berwick-Pakenham Historical Society Museum volunteers to prepare space for new items.
“A small town wants its history right on the spot,” she said.
“The story of the park and the museum are intertwined. They go together.”
She said volunteers were also currently “locked out” of the park and museum.
“None of us can work there because the council won’t insure us,” she said.
Mr Dunlop said Cardinia Shire Council was a strong supporter of the “wonderful attraction” through ongoing advice and support and about $25,000 in funds each year.
“There is no intention by council to close the museum, move artefacts or stop volunteerism,” he said.
Emerald Community House co-ordinator Mary Farrow said the committee had worked hard to maintain the exhibitions and grounds but lacked the time to promote the museum.
“It’s not only important for the community to be familiar with this knowledge,” she said.
“It’s essential to the local businesses and marketing of Emerald as a tourist destination to enhance the local economy and increase job opportunities for locals.”
Ms Farrow encouraged people from all age groups, interests and community groups to participate in the public brainstorming session.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come forward and fire up ideas about what our museum could be,” she said.
“The power of the community to decide what’s important and what can be done is an amazing strength.”
“People are encouraged to bring a plate of food to enjoy while we explore all the ideas and aspirations in order to save the museum.”
Nobelius Heritage Park was part of the world famous Nobelius Nursery, which Swedish immigrant Carl Axel Nobelius established in 1883.
The nursery exported fruit and ornamental trees to five continents.
The museum has original records from the business as well as local minutes, correspondence, postal and telephone directories, electoral rolls, early cemetery records, local newspapers and 2000 photos.
Volunteers preserve and catalogue the collection and help community members with inquiries about photos, books, family history and historical research.
The Save the Emerald Museum and Nobelius Heritage Park public brainstorming session will be held at Emerald Community House Hall from noon to 1.30pm on Sunday 8 August.
Readers can call Emerald Community House on 5968 3881 or 5968 3939 for more information.