The 'Old Bank' building was originally built in 1891 as the
Queensland National Bank and is typical of the Victorian era with
magnificent red cedar counters and other decor. It is heritage listed
inside and out and is worth the viewing as much as the exhibition.
Volunteers and members of the Cooktown Historical Society man
a
photographic exhibition in the old banking chambers. Each year we tell
the story of a slice of Cooktown's colourful history. We are fortunate
to have a growing collection of documents and photographs which are
researched and collated for the display by our members and volunteers.
Brand new in 2009, Historical expose at Cooktown's Old Bank
for 2010
"Cooktown Through The Years"
Open Monday to Saturday - 9am to 3pm
(re-opening March 29th, 2010)
Tour groups are encouraged to contact the manager if these
times do not suit your itinerary.
Joint tickets are available to cover entry to James Cook Museum, Natures Powerhouse and
Cooktown's Old Bank at a discounted rate.
Please ask at each venue.
With growing demand for more information of other aspects of our
history, the 2009 display is the largest and most detailed of all our
exhibitions. The display covers 200 years, from the indigenous history,
chinese influence, gold rush, cyclones, fires, war years, the decline
and rise of the town, social histories and lots more from 1770 to 1970.
Keeping some aspects of the previous display, over 185 posters, 19
magnificient display units and over 600 images tell our extensively
researched history of Cooktown.
The Society does not receive any
funding to run the
Old Bank display, so there is an entry fee of $5 as we have to cover
rent and electricity. Children are free.
