The Cooktown History Centre, run by the Cooktown & District Historical Society Volunteers, offers a unique insight into the intriguing history of the area with stories, photos, interactive displays, murals and oral histories. The Exhibition is set out in a time line which covers the years from 1770 to Current times.
It is housed in the oldest building in Charlotte Street – it was erected in 1875 as Cooktown’s first post and telegraph office.
This stunning exhibition brings to life the historic railway, early roads, cyclones and other disasters, early families and what happened to the local indigenous people. Recent additions include more information about the Palmer Gold field and more information about the Chinese community in Cooktown.
This exhibition is incorporated with the History Centre and is the story of Sam Elliot and his association with the Wild Irish Girl Mine and Battery on the Palmer. It includes a wonderful collection of tools used by Sam and the original Gold Scales used at the Battery.
The display is open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. Between October and March you may find hours reduced depending on the weather and the availability of Volunteers.
There is a small entrance fee to enable us to continue our work.
New members are always welcome. The cost is $10 per year. Members receive free entry to the
display and a discounted purchase price on books and research.
