Our local Historical Society celebrates 50yrs service to the community in 2012 All voluntary, with limited assistance through grants and such, but not much from council except to waiver the rates. (Whereas the Art Centre has had their full 5 year budget expended within 2 years, while other community groups wait) Fortuunately we have been housed in a building which will be 100 years old at the time of our 50th anniversary. We pay a nominal rent to the Dept of Lands, but have to maintain the building and grounds, which are quite extensive for our limited ageing volunteers, without support from other local community groups (landcare, Rotary, etc.) it would be nigh on impossible to maintain the grounds Good luck with your search. Maitland has such wonderful old buildings. MargaretB Lake Macquarie NSW Australia ----- Original Message ----- From: "Maitland Family History Circle Inc." <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 8:38 AM Subject: Re: [HV] Maitland History Museum > Hello John & Ray > > I'm pleased to say that the Maitland Historical Society is in the process > of > establishing itself. I would suggest letters to the local council voicing > your disbelief that Maitland does not have a museum, after all they > managed > to find very large amounts to purchase and renovate the art gallery. > Community groups in the area have approached the council for assistance in > finding premises but to no avail unless you are in a position to pay > commercial rent.