St Clair Villa Museum & Archives

This museum houses important cultural objects and archives from Goulburn's rich historical past in one of its oldest residential buildings at 318 Sloane Street.

St. Clair Villa Museum and Archives, as we know it today, was built by James Sinclair for his family in 1843 and is a typical example of early provincial colonial villa of its period. After the death of Sinclair in 1851 the house was sold on for private use, over the years becoming consulting rooms for a doctor, a school for young ladies, a guest house and flatettes.

The Goulburn & District Historical Society made St. Clair their headquarters in 1970, with the Goulburn Council as trustee. The Historic Society have created a folk museum and established a research centre. They are now joined by I Love Goulburn group.

The museum collection comprises items dating back to the early 1800's and consist of things that would have been used in everyday life to include period furniture, bric a brac, clothing, framed portraits and photos.

Archive items include photographs, glass negatives and slides, a comprehensive collection of Goulburn newspapers from the 1800's, parish maps, historic files from former Goulburn businesses, scrapbooks, diaries and journals from early pioneer families.

The collection is also significant as it houses personal items from many famous Australians who at some point in their lives had roots in Goulburn. They were Caroline Chisholm, Miles Franklin, Col. William Thomas Leggett and architect EC Manfred.

The museum and archives are open to the public 10am - 4pm  Thursday toSunday, and public holidays, and open for group visit by appointment.  Entry is free, donations are welcome.

Archival searches are available 1pm - 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. Research fee from $20. 

See MAP for location.