Talana Museum is appealing to the community for financial support as it prepares to develop a new exhibit centred on a remarkable blacksmith and wheelwright collection donated by a Glencoe resident.

The collection was donated by the Singh family and includes equipment from a blacksmith and wheelwright operation. The museum said the collection has an “incredible story” and provides an opportunity to showcase the important role wheelwrights played in the local community and its history.

The museum now needs assistance to create the display area, move and install the equipment and recreate the “shop” environment.

With Prethie Singh’s advice and support, the museum also plans to include photographs of him working in the original shop.

Museum appeals for support

Talana Museum said donations would help it maintain its buildings, exhibits and extensive archival collections while continuing to develop new displays.

In its appeal, the museum said corporate sponsorships that had previously helped fund the development and construction of buildings, the relocation of buildings and the establishment of new exhibits had declined and ended.

It said it currently relies on donations, funds raised through events, the hiring of its conference hall and income from Kwakunje Village and the Miners Rest Restaurant.

Pam McFadden, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, said it had not received support from the local municipality for the maintenance of its buildings and exhibits, while staff had retired or resigned and specialist staff had not been replaced.

“The care and maintenance of its buildings, exhibits and particularly its archival collections require constant funding.

“The museum’s extensive collections include material relating to Dundee’s military, mining, agricultural and social history. Its archive is also a major research resource, containing photographs, documents, newspapers, maps and other historical records.”

McFadden urged members of the community, businesses and potential sponsors to support its work and help ensure local history remains accessible to future generations.

Donations and other forms of assistance can help the museum develop the new wheelwright exhibit while maintaining the standards of care required for its wider collection.

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