Emma Pritchard

When they arrive at Grafton’s Schaeffer House Museum, many visitors are welcomed through the front door by local historian and Clarence River Historical Society (CRHS) volunteer Nita Child.

Throughout the past three decades she has become an integral part of the building’s character and can factually recall the story behind each photograph, artefact, and item of memorabilia displayed within its walls.

Last year, Mrs Child was recognised for 30 years of voluntary service to the local organisation and presented with Life Membership of the CRHS by Member for Clarence Richie Williamson who praised her extraordinary dedication to preserving and sharing the history of the region.

Born and raised in Grafton, Mrs Child has always loved and valued history and embraces every moment she spends volunteering at Schaeffer House Museum.

“I just love this place,” she said.

“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.

“Without buildings like this one, or volunteers like the people of the CRHS, we are at risk of losing our history, and once we lose it, it’s gone, and we can never get it back again.

“We have so much local history here, and it’s our responsibility to look after 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 much Mrs Child hasn’t done or won’t do at Schaeffer House Museum.

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.

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

Along with welcoming visitors into the museum each week, Mrs Child would also like to welcome more volunteers at the CRHS.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to invest in and give back to your local community,” she said.