Local Indigenous Artifacts
The Bowen Museum presents a comprehensive and insightful exhibition on indigenous artefacts and culture, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s earliest inhabitants. This display showcases a rich collection of local indigenous artwork, tools, and cultural artefacts, accompanied by detailed interpretations that bring history to life. Through these exhibits, visitors can learn about the deep connection indigenous communities have with the land, their traditions, and their way of life before and after European settlement. The exhibition also explores the first interactions between indigenous groups and European settlers as they moved north, shedding light on the challenges, exchanges, and transformations that followed. One of the most captivating stories featured is that of James Morrill, a European shipwreck survivor who lived among local indigenous groups for 17 years. His experience provides a rare perspective on cross-cultural connections during a pivotal time in history. This exhibition serves as a tribute to the resilience, artistry, and rich heritage of the region’s indigenous people, ensuring their stories and traditions continue to be shared and appreciated.
North Head Lighthouse
First built in 1866, Bowen’s famous North Head Lighthouse played a vital role in guiding ships safely into Edgecumbe Bay for more than a century. Perched on the rugged coastline, this iconic structure helped sailors navigate the often-treacherous waters, preventing countless maritime disasters. In the 1880s, a lighthouse keeper’s cottage was constructed on the rocky outcrop, allowing staff to remain on-site around the clock, ensuring the light continued to shine through all conditions. Life as a lighthouse keeper was demanding and often isolated, requiring constant vigilance and dedication to maintaining the beacon. At the Bowen Museum, visitors can explore the legacy of this historic landmark through an impressive display featuring the original North Head Lighthouse prism lens, alongside a collection of photographs and artifacts that tell the story of the lighthouse’s construction, operation, and the people who kept it running. This exhibition not only preserves the memory of the North Head Lighthouse but also highlights its significance in Bowen’s maritime history, celebrating the ingenuity and perseverance that shaped the region’s coastal heritage.
Mossvale Station Homestead
Adjacent to the Bowen Museum stands the historic Mossvale Homestead, a cottage with a rich history that dates back to 1872. Originally built on the Mossvale Cattle Station by W. H. Toms, the homestead was relocated to the museum grounds in 1983, where it has been carefully restored to reflect its original design and atmosphere. Inside, visitors will find a replica of the cottage’s original furnishings, crockery, and tools, offering a vivid insight into the daily challenges faced by early pioneers on the land. The homestead stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of those who carved out a life in the harsh environment of early Australia. A guided tour through this beautifully preserved piece of history, led by a knowledgeable volunteer, is a must for anyone looking to experience firsthand the hardships and triumphs of life in the 19th century.
Printing Equipment and Displays
The Bowen Museum’s printing exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of printing technology and the history of Northern Australia’s media. On display are original pieces of machinery from the Bowen Independent, including the iconic Linotype Machine and Platen Press, both of which were pivotal in the early days of mass communication. Bowen holds a special place in history as the location where the first newspaper in Northern Australia, The Port Denison Times, was printed. Founded and edited by Frederick Thomas Rayner (1832-1900), this publication marked the beginning of local journalism in the region. The exhibition also showcases an extensive collection of typewriters and word-processing equipment, featuring early devices like the Dictaphone that revolutionised office work. A particular favourite among visitors, especially children, is the engraving machine once used by Mr. Herb Schultz at Schultz Jewellers, offering a hands-on experience with a piece of history that blends craftsmanship and technology. This unique collection paints a vivid picture of the tools and techniques that shaped both local journalism and business in Bowen.
How We Used to Live
This exhibition at the Bowen Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life from the past, showcasing an extensive collection of historical artefacts. Visitors can explore beautifully hand-carved furniture alongside pieces from the Local Government, Court House, and schools, reflecting the craftsmanship and functionality of earlier eras. The exhibition also features a remarkable display of clocks, lanterns, and various forms of lighting, as well as an array of tools, household bric-a-brac, and vintage toiletries. Additionally, examples of traditional cooking gear, kitchen implements, and an antique sewing machine highlight the domestic skills and ingenuity of generations gone by.
War Time in Bowen
The War Exhibition at the Bowen Museum offers a powerful and moving tribute to the sacrifices made by servicemen and women throughout history. The display features a wide array of signalling and communication devices used during various wars, alongside systems from later years that demonstrate the technological advancements in military communications. Visitors can explore medals, citations, ration books, canteens, and other personal items that were intended to make life a little more bearable for the soldiers during their service. A special section of the exhibition highlights the local impact of war, with albums compiled by museum members listing servicemen who enlisted from Bowen for the Great War, as well as records of locals who served in World War II, Vietnam, and other conflicts. One particularly poignant album showcases letters home from many of these servicemen, which were printed in the Bowen Independent with the permission of their families, offering a deeply personal and emotional window into the lives of those who served. This exhibition not only preserves history but also honours the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for their country.
