The Museum’s permanent exhibitions explores three continuing themes
This exhibition room displays the History of Child Welfare in Australia from the First Fleet in 1788 until the 1980s. The main feature wall has a timeline that describes the development of Orphanages, Children’s Homes, Missions, and Foster Care. Artefacts on display come from Orphanages and Children’s Homes from every state in Australia. A slate […]
More InformationThis exhibition highlights the history of the Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) and its activism to secure redress for Care Leavers. Posters from silent protests are on display, alongside items from the Royal Commission rooms, donations from commissioners and politicians involved in this work. TV reports illustrate how CLAN played a pivotal role in achieving […]
More InformationThis themed exhibition focuses on the memories of adults recalling their childhood in care. Direct quotes share personal experiences, while artefacts and photos from orphanages, children’s homes, and missions bring these stories to life. Many items have been generously donated by care leavers and may evoke memories of your own childhood. […]
More InformationPlease view our Online Exhibitions:
The Manly Art of Self Defence The teaching of boxing at Christian Brothers Boys’ Homes was a normal practice up till the end of WWII. However, the manly art of self-defence as it was called lasted longer at St Augustine’s Boys’ Home in Geelong up till the late 1960s when they won many […]
More InformationOur Lives, Our Stories Talking Back to the Records Our Lives Our Stories: Geelong Care Leavers Talking Back to the Records is an exhibition that focuses on Geelong Orphanages and Children’s Homes and five Care Leavers who were in some of the Geelong Orphanages. Care Leavers tell what they liked, didn’t like, and what they […]
More InformationThe museum has regularly updated range of temporary exhibitions.
A new temporary exhibition opens at Australian Orphanage Museum, tomorrow Tuesday 6 June 2023. Our Lives, Our Stories: Geelong Care Leavers Talking Back to Their Records features stories from people who lived in some of Geelong’s thirteen children’s Homes and Orphanages. The exhibition enables the voices of Care Leavers to be heard, reflecting on and […]
More Information