Records & Research
Discover our heritage
Samford Local History & Research Assistance
The museum’s main building is the former Albany Creek State School Headmaster’s residence which houses an extensive collection of photos and written accounts pertaining to Samford and surrounding districts, gathered and curated by our museum volunteers. The collections are available for viewing and research purposes, and we can also help you research Samford’s early residents.
At a glance
Reference Collections
The reference collections include notable items such as the original diorama depicting the Kippa-making ceremony at the Bora Ring, Wight’s Mountain. Visitors can explore albums of historical photographs, research topics within the extensive local history files, and browse published works on the region’s past. These resources are complemented by displays illustrating domestic life, local industries, and the evolution of photography through cameras that captured family moments over the decades. The museum also undertakes the documentation and recording of all donated artefacts as part of its ongoing preservation work.
Associations / clubs
Pine Rivers Shire Councillors
Environment
Camp Mountain rail crash
CSIRO
Maps (old) of the area
Churches
Parks
Tourist attractions
Schools
Bora Ring preservation & associated First Nations people information
Families, early residents & published family history books
Samford Reminiscences by early families, now up to 7 volumes
Ferny Grove to Dayboro railway line 1918-1955
Papers – The Village Pump & South Pine Chronicle
Primary industries – bananas, dairy, mining, pineapples, small crops & timber
Early Samford Village shops & businesses
WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam – Highlands Soldier Settlement
War Service Personnel, WWII in Pine Rivers & War Themes – published books
Captured moments
Photo Albums
Come in to see our photographic collections of Samford and district.
Bananas & pineapples
Dairy farming & small crops
Family & people
Railway
Roads & waterways
Samford Village & surrounds
School
School replica construction
Transport & timber
Museum Research Assistance
If you’re researching family history or early local settlers in the Samford District, you can book a personal appointment with our researcher by emailing info@samfordmuseum.com.au. Please give several days’ notice for visits on Wednesdays and Sundays to allow time for preparation. We’re here to help (last enquiry at 2:30pm).
Can’t make it to the Samford Museum? Send us an email with as much detail as possible, and our volunteers can research on your behalf and email the results to you. A donation is appreciated, depending on the time involved and material provided.
Get in touch!
We're Just a Message Away
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re planning a visit, have a question about our exhibits, or are interested in volunteering, feel free to contact us.
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Yes! We offer programs and resources designed specifically for children and families. What’s more, admission for guests ages 18 and younger is always FREE. (Note that even when admission is free, an admission sticker is still required for entry into the galleries.) Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes! We offer programs and resources designed specifically for children and families. What’s more, admission for guests ages 18 and younger is always FREE.
What are your opening hours?
The museum is open on Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.
School and private group visits are available on other days by prior arrangement.
We are also open on special event days. We're open from 9am to 2pm on Australia Day (26th January) and Anzac Day (25th April.)
The museum takes a summer break, around the same time as the long school holidays. We will post information here as soon as 2025's closure dates are known.
What is the cost of admission?
Adults $6
Children $2 (Year 1 to Year 12) *
Children 0-5 years FREE
* Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Group rates are available for schools and private group visits.
FREE ADMISSION on Australia Day and Anzac Day (January 26th & April 25th.)
Do I need to book in advance?
Bookings aren’t required for general visits. However, schools, tour groups or private visits should book ahead. Historical demonstrations are available for groups larger than ten people. Please email info@samfordmuseum.com.au or call 0417 610 983 to organise.
Can I book a group or school visit?
Absolutely! Group and school bookings are available by arrangement. Historical demonstrations are available for groups larger than ten people. Please email info@samfordmuseum.com.au or call 0417 610 983 to organise.
Is parking available?
Yes, there is free parking available on Station Street for cars. There is also room for one large coach or two smaller buses to park at the museum's front gate on Station Street. Additional parking can be found in Samford Village. Take a look at our map for more details and directions.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Most of our outdoor and indoor displays are accessible, but please contact us ahead of time if you have specific access needs.
Our main building has a ramp to enter on the western side of the building opposite the transport Mews and there is one for entering the School. There are two toilet facilities available, both of which are marked on the Site Map. The toilet nearest the Blacksmith’s Workshop is disability abled. All but two of our attractions are wheelchair accessible and the Samford Museum’s entire property meets with the standards demanded by the Moreton Bay City Council.
Do you have a map of the museum & exhibits?
Yes. When you enter you will be supplied a Map of the Museum with all the dedicated display sites shown numerically. Follow the numbers from 1 to 21 & they will take you around the Museum at your leisure.
Here is also a Google Map of the Samford Museum location.
Can I volunteer at the museum?
Absolutely! We’re always keen to welcome new volunteers. Whether you're into local history, gardening, admin or event support, there's a place for you. Get in touch via our email or visit during open hours.
What's your postal address?
Samford District Historical Museum Society (Inc.),
The Secretary,
PO Box 100,
Samford 4520
Can I take photos?
All photos taken of the Samford Museum exhibits may be re-used publicly, providing you acknowledge they have been taken at and used with, "Courtesy of The Samford Museum."
Onsite safety advice
Operational machinery and other safety hazards are present throughout the site. All visitors are reminded to take care to ensure their safety. Children must be adequately supervised at all times and kept a safe distance from any machinery or likely source of risk to their safety.
Do you have historical resources & can help with research?
We have limited copies of photos, publications, CDs, DVDs and photocopying facilities on site. Charges if appicable, are on request. Or volunteers are happy to assist with family history enquiries.
How are you funded?
Our museum is self-funded and operated completely by volunteers. Funds are raised through our admission fee, good old-fashioned hard work at special events held at the museum, other local events, and occasional grants from notably Bendigo Bank and the Samford Progress Association, as well as state and federal government. Want to support us? Visit out donations, volunteering and sponsorship section. You can also purchase from our shop to raise funds.
Your support helps us offset the cost of:
- Restoration and preservation of buildings and exhibits
- Upkeep and general maintenance costs
- Insurance, record-keeping, stationery and supplies
- Spare parts for repairs
- Paint, timber etc.
Your donations are much appreciated.