Emma Pritchard

When they arrive at Schaeffer House Museum, many visitors are welcomed indoors by Clarence River Historical Society (CRHS) volunteer Nita Child.

So dedicated to her role and her duties within the heritage listed property, and so diligent in the execution of each task she sets herself, throughout the past three decades she has become an integral part of the building’s character and can factually recall the unique story behind each photograph, artefact, and item of memorabilia lovingly and professionally displayed within its walls.   

On October 29, Mrs Child was recognised for 30 years of voluntary service to the local organisation when she was presented with Life Membership of the CRHS by Member for Clarence Richie Williamson.

Alongside other CRHS life members and volunteers including Bill Dougherty, Suzanne Gibson, and Pat James, Mrs Child said it was a big shock to receive the accolade, and revealed it was very hard for her to hold back tears during the ceremony last week.

“I just love this place,” she said of Schaeffer House Museum.

“I love history, and I love bringing people together.

“I spend a lot of time here and it really is my second home, that’s how much I love it.”

From cataloguing historical information to carefully and fastidiously setting up new exhibitions for public display and adding additional references as soon as they become available, there isn’t a lot Mrs Child hasn’t done or won’t do at Schaeffer House Museum.

Describing herself as someone who has always loved and valued history, Mrs Child said its incredibly important to preserve it for future generations.

“Once we lose history that’s it, it’s gone,” she said.

“You can never get it back again.

“We have so much local history here, and it’s our responsibility to look after it.”

Among her favourite items on display in Schaeffer House Museum is an exquisite handmade infant’s dress, circa 1926, that was sewn by Gertie Davenport, nee Skinner, for Vois Schwinghammer, a well-respected and well-loved Grafton woman who went on to be crowned Jacaranda Queen in 1946.

“I used to make clothes, and I have always loved this little gown,” she said.

“The Schwinghammers were a very prominent family in Grafton, and we have a lot of items which belonged to them which have been donated by their relatives in the museum.

“I love looking at it every time I come here, it’s beautiful.”

Mrs Child volunteers at Schaeffer House Museum between four and five days each week, and said she loves to keep her mind active and her hands busy.

“I love what I do, I’ve just got to remind myself to sit down when I get tired,” she said.

“But I always get up again.”