The project was launched by the Leslie Williams MP, member for Port Macquarie and Melinda Pavey MP, member for Oxley was also in attendance.

Our Rivers Our History is a collaborative project managed and led by Museums Australia – Mid North Coast Chapter, involving seven volunteer-run museums on the lower Mid North Coast: Wingham, Tinonee, Camden Haven, Mid North Coast Maritime, Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Kempsey museums.

Grants from Arts NSW provided funds to assist museums and their volunteers to develop a web based exhibition showcasing local museum collections and a river based heritage trail.

Eighteen museum volunteers have contributed in excess of 3000 hours to create what is an innovative and ground breaking project.

Through the objects and collections of the museums it tells the stories of the Manning, Camden Haven, Hastings and Macleay rivers.

While traditionally going to a museum and viewing objects and displays was the way we most learnt about history, with the technology of today it is no longer the only way.

The Our Rivers Our History online exhibition and website showcases some of the most significant objects held in our museums relating to our rivers and coastal waters which are such an integral part of our history.

The website also includes a heritage tourism trail encouraging people to get out and explore our rivers and the top ten places to visit (including the participating museums, of course).

“I liken our new website and heritage tourism trail to a museum and river history road show,” said Debbie Sommers, Waterways project manager.

“We are taking our river history and collections out to new audiences through the online world. Our museums are full of engaging stories and we want to share them with the wider general public.”

Manning Valley Historical Society president Barbara Waters said it was a worthwhile project and gave society members an insight into items in the Wingham museum.

“It’s encouraging people to visit our sites. We have such a rich history and this project is bringing it up to the modern day,” said Barbara.

You can visit the website, and view the online exhibitions and the heritage tourism trail on www.oroh.com.au.