Mr Marshall visited the Armidale Folk Museum with Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland to announce the financial support, secured from the NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund, and to view plans for the refurbishment.
“The refurbishment will help to improve accessibility for people of all ages as well as making the 160-year-old building more contemporary,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Folk Museum is a treasure trove of historical items, telling the story of the Armidale district and this project will give it the spruce up its needs to attract more people through the doors to enjoy the heritage displays.
“The refurbishment will include an internal ramp from the front door to the main museum, construction of toilet facilities, a kitchenette and the conversion of two small display rooms into office and collection workspaces.
“I’m delighted the State Government can help out with this much-needed project.
“We want to make the space become a vibrant and relevant cultural institution accessible to all.”
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland welcomed the funding and said the facilities were in much need of refurbishment.
“Visitors to museums today that showcase our history are expecting a much more immersive and contemporary experience when they learn about our history,” said mayor Coupland.
“These funds will assist the museum in attracting a broader audience and bringing the building and its collection into the 21st century.”
