Owned and managed by the Kadina Branch of the National Trust of South Australia, the museum tells the story of Australian dryland farming, the local copper mining industry and the social history of Kadina, through thematic and photographic displays, across half a hectare of undercover exhibition space.The Farm Shed Museum brings together the developments and practices of dryland farming. It shows the hardships endured on the land with the process of land clearing and the vital roles of animals on farms and the transition from horse to tractor-powered farming.
The ‘Her Side of the Story’ display shows women’s contribution to farming, the social impacts farming had on farming, and the harsh way of rural life in South Australia. There is an extensive collection of farming machinery on display including ploughs, stationary engines and lighting plant. It also has a large diesel operated Hornsby engine, used to drive generators in the powerhouse at Lochiel saltworks.
The museum also tells the story of the local copper industry and has on display a life-size model of an underground mine while visitors can also tour the historic Matta House, built in 1863 as a residence for Edward Austin Horn, the manager of Matta Mine. It is refurbished to the late Victorian period when the copper industry was at its peak.The social life of the town is told in the Kadina’s Story display while there is also a 1950s demountable schoolroom from Kulpara erected on site as well as a replica of the Kadina bandstand and a memorial plaque to the bandsmen who went down with the Titanic in 1912.
More images from the museum can be seen here
