Samford Museum

First settled in the mid-1850s, Samford is a culturally rich suburb just north of Brisbane with historic depth. Every Wednesday between 10:00 and 3:00 and Sunday between 10:00 and 4:00 the Samford District Historical Museum becomes the history-hub of Samford. Officially opened in 1986, the museum has served as a flashback to the late 19th and early 20th centuries ever since.

Bringing the historical village to life

Passionate volunteers of the community-run the Samford Museum and are always enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. They dress appropriately to the time period and in many ways are one of the best attractions of the museum, each boasting countless facts and stories about the region’s history. Considering some of the volunteers have been raised in Samford their whole lives, in most cases, their recounts and understanding of the history of the Samford area cannot found amongst the plaques and galleries exhibited. Because of this, the volunteers truly exhibit a love for the area that’s evident in every detail of the village museum as they provide incredible history to each fragment of the museum.

Samford Historical Museum Entry Fee

Visit on a Wednesday or Sunday from 10am to 4pm and discover a large variety of objects, displays and stories from the district's past.

• $5 for adults
• $1 for children

No bookings required.

Attractions and Displays

On the list of things to do in Samford, the museum is undoubtedly at the top. Volunteers predominantly rely on donations to keep a vast collection of displays and memorabilia. There are many highlights, for starters the old Ferny Grove Railway Station that the museum is now located on. In and around this station the museum also displays and actively commemorates the Camp Mountain Rail Crash that occurred on May 5, 1947, that resulted in 16 deaths and 38 injuries. There is also a replica dairy and Golden Fleece petrol station and an old railway station turned showroom exhibiting wartime memorabilia.

However, Patrons that have visited the museum often note the war displays for their deep emotional impact. Dioramas of mementos, soldier’s possessions and service uniforms are on display as well as military vehicles and equipment. The museum and its volunteers share stories of local heroes that went to war with incredible detail. This is thanks to Charlie Nolan, a researcher of local family history who can often be found helping out the museum and anyone who needs help.

School Excursions

Education programs for school groups are always welcome and bookings can be made for days that the museum is not open to the public to ensure the complete safety for children. On these excursions, the volunteers show children how blacksmiths used to work in in the 19th Century. They also get a chance to understand the tribulations of chores in the era such as washing out and pegging clothes out of a copper. An 1872 schoolhouse replica is available for students to experience writing on traditional slates and every excursion school kids are amazed at how tough the rules were in school back then. Students also get to see firsthand details of people’s lifestyles in that time, even small specifics such as the make of olden day dolls or the majority of food being in tinned are fascinating insights for kids.

This passionate North Brisbane history museum endeavours to deliver a captivating and emotional experience for a small admission fee. Guests can lose themselves for hours amongst the vast range of exhibitions. There are often events on especially for Australia Day and ANZAC Day but also events such as the fashion pageants and treasure hunts for kids where locals and visitors are encouraged to participate and get involved. The volunteers run the museum with pride that shows in everything they do and as such when in the area the Samford District Historical Museum is a must.

Open other times by appointment.

Learn about the region’s local history by visiting the Samford Museum