"We've been given a part of the musical history of Wingham," Manning Valley Historical Society president, Barbara Waters said.

Ms Jenkins played the violin when she was a member of the well known dance band the 'Jolly Jenks.'

This popular dance band played all over the district, with buses from Wingham and Taree transporting people to balls and dances during the 1940s.

"The older residents of the area have fond memories of this popular band," Barbara said.

"We are indebted to June for coming all the way from Sydney to present us with the violin."

The Jolly Jenks was made up of family members Naida who played piano, June violin and Boyne Jenkins who played brass instruments.

Another band member was Richard (Dick) Budden who played the drums.

The Wingham Chronicle reported on August 30, 1945 a Victory Ball was held at Wingham Soldiers Memorial Town Hall with the Jolly Jenks and Cec Anderson's Band providing continuous music keeping the crowd on their toes at all times.

The program was a 50/50 of jazz and old time and it was commented that the evening was an "outstanding success."

"Just imagine today having two bands play at the Wingham Town Hall," Barbara said.

"The Victory Ball would have been great, of course that was back in the day when the town hall was licensed to hold 600 people."

Ms Jenkins recalls being taught from the age of 10 the violin by the Sisters of St Joseph at Wingham convent.

She was very happy to donate the violin to the MVHS Museum at Wingham to be immortalised in local musical history.

The violin will be included in the musical instrument collection at the museum, a collection that holds at least 100 items.

"We've got all sorts of instruments here and they all tell a story," Barbara said.

There's Charity Jack Andrew's violin and a big bugle from World War I as well as a violin that is like a flute.

"A lot of visitors comment on that, it is a very unique piece," said Barbara.

The music room also has two pianos and an organ.

A popular story attached to one of the pianos always amuses museum goers.

The piano was dropped in the Manning River just one mile from the Andrew's Woodside property while being delivered in the 1870s.

It had survived the treacherous journey all the way from Ireland.

For a musical trip down memory lane, visit the Wingham Museum on Farquhar Street to see the entire musical instrument collection.