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St John's Schoolhouse Museum

We welcome school groups and others, by arrangement. See Phone contacts.
Teacher Mr McDonald with his class 1902-3
The historic graveyard has graves from Colonial times into the 20th Century
Children from St John's Parish in Schoolhouse
Playing at knucklebones
We welcome school groups and others, by arrangement. See Phone contacts.
Teacher Mr McDonald with his class 1902-3
The historic graveyard has graves from Colonial times into the 20th Century
Children from St John's Parish in Schoolhouse
Playing at knucklebones

Overview

St John's Schoolhouse was Canberra's first school and school master's residence. It opened in 1845, to provide elementary education for children from the Campbell estate of Duntroon and surrounding farms. Many family names of former pupils can be seen on gravestones in St John's Churchyard.

In 1908 the School was closed, and the historic little building was facing demolition. Fortunately, it was spared this fate, and in 1969 the restored Schoolhouse was re-opened as a museum of Canberra's early history and education. St John's Schoolhouse Museum is proud of its 55-year role in the community as one of Canberra's first museums.

The Schoolhouse Museum displays artefacts and early photographs of the district enable visitors to imagine the very different scene of rural Canberra, before it became the Federal Capital.

The theme of the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival in 2024 is "Connections". In line with this St John's Schoolhouse Museum is offering an exhibition of heirloom handiwork and associated objects. Through the work of their "Skilful Hands" many women of previous ages passed on a tangible inheritance to their descendants. Some of their stories have a direct connection to the Schoolhouse Museum.

School and other groups are most welcome to visit the Museum throughout the year, for a small charge per head. General entry to the Museum is by donation (EPTPOS available).

Map of the venue locationMap of the venue location
45 Constitution Avenue, Reid, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaGet Directions

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor ratingBased on 4 reviews

“historic gem”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 6yrs ago by ET3121

St. john’s is worth a visit for the church alone. add in a great historic schoolhouse and it should be on your to do list. TIP: time visit with opening times of museum by checking website

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“Did not go into the museum but into the church. Amazing insight into Canberra history.”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 7yrs ago by Headframe

St. John's Church is amazing. Spiritual and historic. Easily overlooked but a visit provides an insight into many phases of Canberra's history. A most rewarding and stimulating visit. recommended.

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“Canberra's First School”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 8yrs ago by David B

What is now known as St John's Schoolhouse Museum, was Canberra's first school, long before Canberra itself existed. It was built by the landed-pastoralist, Robert Campbell of Duntroon in 1845 as a...

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  • Carpark
  • Coach Parking
  • Family Friendly
  • Lawn / Gardens
  • Non Smoking
  • Public Toilet