Quite a museum

THE next time you visit Nobelius Heritage Park be aware that where you are walking is of “national significance“. Having been assessed in every detail, it is appreciated that the labours of Nobelius and all his workers made a huge difference to the development of the country.
The park is the last little bit of what was a large nursery in Australia, producing fruit and ornamental trees for all parts of this country and for export to New Zealand, South Africa, South America, Canada and India. Only trees he grew are now grown, nursery style, in rows. More are to be planted below the museum, this month to enhance the building further.
Many improvements have been made, outside and in. For more than a year the committee of volunteers has been advised and assisted by a professional historian with happy results and much-needed grants.
You will find, carefully conserved, ledgers, wages and order books showing where trees were shipped to from here. These are carefully catalogued to Museum Australia standards.
Trees were supplied to many municipalities in Victoria. An historian is studying tees growing in Brighton which were supplied by Nobelius.
The museum is used by many students learning how Victoria developed, horticulture and trades as well as people curious about their own home.
Overseas visitors value the information they gain from seeing all the artefacts and tools used here.
In July a new committee will be elected to continue the work, hopefully with the adviser’s guidance. As well as walking in the park, you will be warmly welcomed to join in looking after it.
Beryl Bartacek,
Friend of the Museum,
Emerald.