The Gawler Branch of the National Trust of South Australia was established in 1965. The branch operates a museum at 59 Murray Street in the main street of Gawler, South Australia. The museum portrays the local history of Gawler and district with displays of objects in context. The museum is located in a Heritage listed building. This is a fine two-storeyed stone structure initially built to house a telegraph office and first used in 1861. Subsequent uses include a school of mines and an electoral office, and most recently for the Gawler Museum.
Significant items in the museum’s collection include: a Triola, Aoelian Orchestralle, box piano, Paternosters’ musical instrument, John McKinlay’s travelling chests, Timer fashion dresses and Hoffman’s pottery. As well as keeping the museum open, activities include: school and group tours by arrangement, history walking tours by arrangement and monthly meetings on the fourth Wednesday of the month 7.30-9pm.
