Mount Victoria will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Great Western Railway Line at Mount Victoria on Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27.
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To celebrate the weekend Mount Victoria and District Historical Society Museum will be showcasing a 150th train line exhibition that has been months in the making.
The exhibition is set to display a photo collection from around Mount Victoria, early art and water colour paintings and drawings, old building plans and an old railway union banner.
“Huge amounts of research has gone into this exhibition, it has been 16 months in the making, and we sent researchers out for state records and to the NSW state library,” president of the Mount Victoria and District Historical Society Museum, Tim Jones said.
The railway banner which is on loan from Unions NSW is said to be the feature piece of the exhibit.
“It looks amazing, it goes from the top of the ceiling to the floor and we have a very high ceiling,” he said.
Mr Jones said that to immerse residents they have organised a system in which you can walk around and listen to a description of the items.
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“People can go in and hear something about the railway station and different aspects of the village,” he said.
Another feature of the exhibition is the video projection of art while music plays.
“It really brings the pictures to life and brings emotion to the experience,” he said.
The museum is based in the old refreshment rooms at the railway station and they also have their own history, which will be showcased.
“This is one of the first two refreshment rooms in the country, and it was where passengers would get off the train and enjoy a three course meal,” he said.
Railway memorabilia from this time, such as crockery, silverware, and women's uniforms will also be on display.
“We are probably the Blue Mountains’ best kept secret but we are aiming to change that, hopefully with people attending the 150th they will pop in and see what we have to offer,” Mr Jones said.
The exhibition will be open Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27 from 10am-4pm.
Whats on?
Mount Victoria will celebrate its 150th anniversary with many activities planned throughout the day.
The celebration will include a steam train shuttle which will run between Mount Victoria and Lithgow, this is in addition to the steam train journey from Central to Mount Victoria and the rail motor shuttle between Mount Victoria and Katoomba.
There will be train related activities, including a model train display, markets, and children’s train rides.
Various venues will feature live music, while silent movie “The General” plays at Mount Vic Flicks.
The Heathens choir will perform at 11am until the official ceremony gets underway at 11.40 am.
The official opening will be done by The Honourable Tom Bathurst AC, Lieutenant-Governor of NSW and Mrs Bathurst and will be followed by a Vice Regal Salute by the NSW Lancers.