Welcome to the Friends of Fagan Park
A little background . . .
Fagan Park was created by the bequest by Bruce Fagan to the people of New South Wales, in 1980, of his property of 55Ha (~140acres) bounded by Arcadia, Gribbenmount, Bayfield and Carrs Roads, Galston, NSW. Hornsby Shire Council was appointed trustees. The park was opened to the public in 1988, the Bi-Centenary year, following a government grant which allowed establishment of the main features of the park, particularly the "Gardens of many Nations".
Around 1985, the Friends of Fagan Park came into being, a volunteer group headed by the late Ron Payne, (ex-Councillor and Mayor of Hornsby Shire), ably assisted by the late Keith Woodward (ex-Shire Clerk), the late Ken Watson and others who set about establishing a showcase of the history of life and agriculture in the district.
The current group of "Friends" carry on the work of restoration and displaying of artifacts of significance to the local area, and its members are drawn from many walks of life, each contributing particular skills, whether it be gardening, office, carpentering, mechanical, black-smithing and so on. We welcome enquiries from new people who may wish to join the Friends of Fagan Park.
Netherby homestead with its exquisite furnishings and artifacts; agricultural, dairy, and mechanical museums; and the blacksmiths' shop, all provide a treasure trove to move the older generations to remember days gone by, and the younger ones to marvel at how machines actually work.
Outside the buildings are many attractions too, like the several 'monkey tail' pumps where the kids can pump water from the wells below, the flagpole made from an Oppenheimer Pole from the famous 'Overland Telegraph Line', the windmill which happily pumps water when there is sufficient wind, and the school bell, to name a few.
We continue to accept donations of artefacts providing they have local relevance and do not duplicate items already in the collection.
During May 2018, the pressed metal ceilings in Netherby Homestead were completely replaced, true to the original patterns, and the interior repainted. All the contents were removed for this, and the opportunity taken to wash or dry-clean all soft furnishings and clean and oil all furniture. It is now at its sparking best!
The Friends of Fagan Park open the museums regularly and conduct special "Open Days" several times each year. See the "Open Days" and "Special Events" pages for details.
See us on facebook
All material contained in this website is copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the Friends of Fagan Park. Photos by G Foy unless otherwise noted.
Last Revision: 4 December 2018: Ceiling replacement added above..
Fagan Park was created by the bequest by Bruce Fagan to the people of New South Wales, in 1980, of his property of 55Ha (~140acres) bounded by Arcadia, Gribbenmount, Bayfield and Carrs Roads, Galston, NSW. Hornsby Shire Council was appointed trustees. The park was opened to the public in 1988, the Bi-Centenary year, following a government grant which allowed establishment of the main features of the park, particularly the "Gardens of many Nations".
Around 1985, the Friends of Fagan Park came into being, a volunteer group headed by the late Ron Payne, (ex-Councillor and Mayor of Hornsby Shire), ably assisted by the late Keith Woodward (ex-Shire Clerk), the late Ken Watson and others who set about establishing a showcase of the history of life and agriculture in the district.
The current group of "Friends" carry on the work of restoration and displaying of artifacts of significance to the local area, and its members are drawn from many walks of life, each contributing particular skills, whether it be gardening, office, carpentering, mechanical, black-smithing and so on. We welcome enquiries from new people who may wish to join the Friends of Fagan Park.
Netherby homestead with its exquisite furnishings and artifacts; agricultural, dairy, and mechanical museums; and the blacksmiths' shop, all provide a treasure trove to move the older generations to remember days gone by, and the younger ones to marvel at how machines actually work.
Outside the buildings are many attractions too, like the several 'monkey tail' pumps where the kids can pump water from the wells below, the flagpole made from an Oppenheimer Pole from the famous 'Overland Telegraph Line', the windmill which happily pumps water when there is sufficient wind, and the school bell, to name a few.
We continue to accept donations of artefacts providing they have local relevance and do not duplicate items already in the collection.
During May 2018, the pressed metal ceilings in Netherby Homestead were completely replaced, true to the original patterns, and the interior repainted. All the contents were removed for this, and the opportunity taken to wash or dry-clean all soft furnishings and clean and oil all furniture. It is now at its sparking best!
The Friends of Fagan Park open the museums regularly and conduct special "Open Days" several times each year. See the "Open Days" and "Special Events" pages for details.
See us on facebook
All material contained in this website is copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the Friends of Fagan Park. Photos by G Foy unless otherwise noted.
Last Revision: 4 December 2018: Ceiling replacement added above..
