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George Smith - a man with a vision![]()
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With the decline of local mining operations, the Zeehan School of Mines and Metallurgy closed in 1958, but what would that mean for the school's extensive collection of books, gems, and minerals?![]()
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Many believed the collection should be preserved for and on the West Coast, one man who shared this vision was George Smith. The former farmer, piner, and sawmill manager played a crucial role in converting the old school into a museum, and in 1963, the West Coast Pioneers' Memorial Museum was opened. ![]()
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To begin with, the museum was managed by a volunteer committee overseen by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). George was chair of this volunteer committee and Honorary Manager from 1968 until he passed away in 1993, aged 94. ![]()
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These colour images depict George with a scale model for proposed development of the museum. George saw steady expansion over the 30 years he was involved in the museum's operations, with it growing to include 4 of Zeehan's most iconic historic buildings. ![]()
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Today, the museum operates as the West Coast Heritage Centre to better reflect operations, and is managed by the non-for-profit organisation West Coast Heritage Limited (WCHL).
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Still need a Mother's Day gift? There’s time! 🎁![]()
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Our gift shop is open every day from 10am to 3pm—perfect for last-minute finds.
