Members of the public trickled through the door during the afternoon event, keen to have a look around  at the artefacts on display, ask about their family history, and speak to members of the Mudgee Historical Society about their memories of the old inn. 

Guests were able to tour the museum’s many rooms, duck inside the family archives for chat with one of the historians, step inside the doll’s church and take a tour of the blacksmith’s shop and machinery sheds throughout the day. 

The aim of the day was to invite locals to come along and have a look. Historical Society member Pauline Bassingthwaite said the museum received more out of town visitors then it did those from the region and the open day was all about trying to change that.

“We get visitors every day, all day, with a lot of them looking for family history,” she said. But for some reason it’s harder getting local people to come along and have a look.”

There was a spooky twist to the proceedings for some, with the old ghosts stories coming out once more. Several guests reported feeling extra cold and getting a “creepy” vibe while touring the upstairs rooms. 

“There is a legend that we have a ghost or two In the museum,” Mrs Bassingthwaite said. “People have reported feeling like they’re being watched or shivering from cold even when its hot. It wouldn’t surprise me if there were one or two somewhere in the building,” she said. 

Acting President Barry Wells thanked those in attendance for making the day a success before cutting a massive 50th anniversary cake in front of the gathered crowd. 

“My thanks to the volunteers as well, not just for today but for the effort you’ve put into making the museum what it is,” he said. 

Mr Wells also gave a brief history of the Mudgee Historical Society and its relationship with the museum as well as discussing a few plans for the future, including the expansion of the blacksmiths shop  and associated sheds.