The initiative is called the Oral History Project and includes recorded interviews with almost 100 former printers. 

Museum curator Benjamin Thorn said the museum is not just a repository for old printing equipment.

 “It is really important for any museum to complement an object collection with a collection of living memories that can contextualise the objects and help bring them to life for the public. I see our oral history project as a key part of our activity as a museum.”

The interviews include most printing processes and occupations and include both industry leaders and people who worked in the industry for only a few years.

 The subject matter covers not only technical issues but also aspects of the industry culture, occupational health and safety, the fun and games that took place in the industry, and people’s memories of industry icons such as Sir Frank Packer or at a local level long time Armidale Express editor Roy Blake. Many of the recorded stories have been transcribed and can be read in the museum or alternatively you can take a guided tour and hear them in person. 

The Museum of Printing is located below the New England Regional Art Museum on Kentucky St.

NUTS AND BOLTS OF PRINTING

THE Museum of Printing has 19th and 20th century printing equipment from the F T Wimble Collection.

The collection includes Albion, treadle platen press and proofing presses, linotype, guillotines, wire stitches, book presses gold blocker and over 1000 printing blocks.

It also has a comprehensive library of books on printing and technical manuals.

Demonstrations and workshops for schools and other groups are available on request.

The  Museum is open on Thursdays and Fridays 10.30am to 3.30pm or by appointment. 6772 5255.