New exhibitions at WA Museum - Kalgoorlie-Boulder showcase Goldfields' history

The colourful history of the Goldfields is presented in revitalised exhibitions at the Western Australian Museum - Kalgoorlie-Boulder, following $250,000 State Government funding to provide the first major upgrade to its displays in more than 20 years.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day, who will officially open the exhibitions today, said the 'Stories from the Goldfields' exhibitions examined the region from the days before European arrival, through the gold rush era and into the modern day.

"It is timely to refurbish these exhibitions so the stories which characterise the Goldfields are told in an engaging and modern manner to ensure the museum remains a key attraction for the thousands of visitors to the region each year," Mr Day said.

"The exhibitions take a fresh look at the area's Aboriginal history and heritage, and the subsequent 'settlement' period, including the gold rushes, the ongoing struggle for water, modern day mining activity and the famous race round.

"The history of the Super Pit, the biggest producing gold mine in  Australia, and one of the largest in the world, is a significant part of 'Stories from the Goldfields' and will no doubt be a popular feature.

"A number of fascinating stories, some perhaps not widely known, also bring the exhibitions to life; for example, the Goldfields was once home to a future American President in Herbert Hoover, who came to the Goldfields in 1897 as a geology graduate from Stanford University, and became known as one of the most astute mine managers in the Goldfields."

The Minister said the $250,000 Government funding had enabled the renewal of the exhibitions, as well as the upgrading of other facilities.

"The displays in the gold vault, which tell the history of gold in the region, have also been upgraded, so visitors can now find out even more about the turbulent gold rush era," he said.

"The WA Museum - Kalgoorlie-Boulder has attracted about 170,000 visitors in the past two years, and I would expect that thousands of visitors over the coming years will be impressed with the significant work that has been done."

Mr Day said the new exhibitions had been matched by similar work at the WA Museum - Albany and both projects reflect the State Government's ongoing commitment to the Western Australian Museum and its six public sites.