On August 1, it will be 150 years since the opening of the CJ Dennys & Co Woolstore, the current home of Geelong’s own National Wool Museum.
The museum is marking the milestone with free entry, children’s activities, complimentary morning tea and a yarn with staff and volunteers.
Also marking the milestone is the National Wool Museum produced exhibition, ‘Bluestone: 150 Years of the Dennys Lascelles Woolstore’ opening to the public, 16 September 2022.
The exhibition is an honest account of the colonisation of the region and events leading up to the opening of the woolstore.
Bluestone will tell the stories of those who have walked the halls of the building and will explore the progress of Geelong and those who lived there through the ages.
“It is an honour to be part of such deep connection – in a building embedded in the rich colonial history of Geelong on a place with thousands of years of ongoing cultural heritage,” National Wool Museum director Padraic Fisher said.
“We welcome everyone to come for a visit to the ‘Bluestone Jewel Box’, share a story and make a connection of their own to this place we call Geelong.”
Mayor Peter Murrihy encouraged the community to take up the offer of free entry on August 1 and learn more about the building’s history.
“The woolstore is so strongly intertwined with the modern history of Geelong,” he said.
“The 150-year anniversary of its opening is a milestone worth reflecting upon for its impact on both the evolution of our city, and the Wadawurrung people who were displaced from their land as a result of colonisation.
“The free open day gives us all a chance to recognise and learn more about both of these elements.”
EVENT: 150 Year Anniversary of the Denny Lascelles Wool Store
DATE: 1 August, 10am to 3pm
VENUE: National Wool Museum, 26 Moorabool Street Geelong
ADMISSION: Free entry and children’s activities, complimentary morning tea and a yarn with staff and volunteers.
EXHIBITION: Bluestone: 150 Years of the Dennys Lascelles Woolstore
DATES: 16 September 2022 to 23 April 2023
VENUE: National Wool Museum, 26 Moorabool Street Geelong
ADMISSION: $10 adult, $8 concession, $6 child, $30 family (includes two adults and up to four children)
